Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Whitman-Hanson Students Plan Walkout After 23 School Layoffs Over $1.4 Million Shortfall

District leaders say the reductions were not performance-based.

Overview

  • The district laid off five teachers, two long-term substitutes, 11 paraprofessionals and five non-union staff on Friday, according to the superintendent.
  • The cuts aim to close a $1.4 million budget gap discovered midyear and disclosed by the superintendent last month.
  • An independent firm hired after the business manager resigned recommended an immediate $800,000 reduction.
  • Students scheduled a 9:15 a.m. Monday walkout at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School to protest the job losses.
  • The teachers union issued a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak, and officials say they will monitor finances with hope to restore some positions.