Here’s some good news for the teachers and other district staff in Lakewood.
TLS has learned that Superintendent Laura Winters formally notified the school district’s staff yesterday that there will be no “RIF” (Reduction In Force) letters sent in May, even if the brewing budget crisis is not resolved.
“The Board made this decision and requested that the Superintendent stand with the public school staff,” General Counsel Michael Inzelbuch told TLS.
When asked what would occur if the school district doesn’t receive the requisite monies to fund staff, Inzelbuch said, “Let the State do the dirty work. We will challenge that in Court. After all, even the Lakewood State Monitors agree that these staff are needed and it’s a revenue problem – not a spending problem.”
See the letter here sent to staff.
That means taxes WILL go up to pay the non RIF.
You need to come to realize that we -ALL of us -have an obligation to public school children .
At this point -the old arguments of “we get nothing “ and/or “ they are spending money on extras “ ,etc are GONE !
It’s jot just about “take “
However -please note that the Board continues to seek savings where possible .
we already GIVE tons of money to the board of Ed school system. The only ones on the TAKE are those getting the huge salaries from our tax dollars.
I recently visited the Lakewood Public School and did not at all see any extensive’taking.’ The school is short on revenue because of the unique demographics of Lakewood and the funding calculation used by the State. This is 100% a state issue and the decision not to issue RIF letters is a good ultimatum for the State to actually do something for the citizens of Lakewood.