This morning, I ran downstairs to get my iPod Touch, opened my news app, and collapsed on the bed sobbing. Shocking. Devastating. Hard to believe.
Last night, despite the fact that our district is one of the highest-achieving AND fiscally efficient districts in the state, 53% of voters rejected our levy.
Because the district has already cut millions of dollars over the past few years, cuts now will be massive. Over 150 teaching jobs will be eliminated. Entire programs will be scrapped, potentially including both of the programs I and a colleague built from scratch over the past 5 years in our previous and current positions.
Nothing is certain yet... other than the fact that it's going to be very, very bad. I am devastated... for all the hard work I've done that might be wiped away, and for the students who won't get to experience so many of the wonderful programs and teachers that make our district outstanding.
Now we have to play the awful waiting game -- what exactly will be cut? Who will have a job next year, and what will that job be?
Oh Jennifer, I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to be in that position. The last two years in our small district have been very hard. We have cut to what teachers believe is bare bones, but who knows what will happen this year. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best.
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