Massive cuts in state educational funding coupled with the recession could have local school districts handing out pink slips in the next year.
Almost a year ago, over 2 billion dollars were awarded to Ohio by the United States Department of Education through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), saving over 7,000 teaching jobs in the state.
ARRA funding will only be used to make up shortfalls in the state budget through fiscal year 2010, meaning layoffs for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area could hit this spring.
Rick Lewis, executive director of the Ohio School Board Association, warns the worst is coming as Ohio is facing an $8 billion dollar hole in its state budget.
“At this point, it’s difficult to envision a budget that will not adversely affect public education, but we’ll work as hard as we can to make certain our schools remain a funding priority for the state of Ohio,” said Lewis.
Despite this hole, Lewis said Ohio could fare better than other states.
“Our governor and legislature have truly placed public education high on their list in these difficult times, especially in comparison to other states,” said Lewis.
Heading into this school year, Lewis explained teaching staffs are probably set for most districts. Once revised revenue projections are released, however, adjustments may be necessary.
For example, Lewis mentioned that unexpected tax cuts proposed by Duke Energy could result in a loss of $40 million for Cincinnati schools which will likely necessitate layoffs for Cincinnati in the near future. Since each district compiles a budget using state and local funds, it is unclear which districts will be affected first.
According to Lewis, it is the responsibility of each individual school board to determine the timing of staff reductions, reasons for such reductions and ultimately which teachers will be let go. In most cases, the least senior teachers are the first to be laid off.
Talawanda School District in Oxford has dodged reductions in force for the time being. According to Dr. Phil Cagwin, superintendant of Talawanda Schools, the district prepared for budget cuts by selectively not filling certain positions that became available through retirement or resignation.
Despite not filling these vacancies, Talawanda was able to hire 20 new teachers for the coming school year. Cagwin said he has been able to hire extremely talented individuals because the applicant pool has grown more impressive due to the competitive job market.
“The impact the tight job market has had on Talawnada is that we have had a very deep pool of very talented teaching candidates to choose from,” Cagwin said.
This uncertainty in Ohio teaching jobs could have education majors and Miami grads leaving the Buckeye state. Miami junior Michaela Malone feels the threat of fewer teaching jobs will be enough to send Miami’s education majors packing.
“If I was an education major, I would definitely leave Ohio for a state with more teaching opportunities,” said Malone.
Cagwin says the market may force education majors to seek jobs outside of the field.
“With the recent layoffs, teaching candidates graduating next year will have an even more competitive job market”, Cagwin added.
Lewis believes teachers will not be leaving Ohio just yet. He explained that if retire-rehire practices are put in place, there could be a surge for new teachers in the area. Retire-rehire laws mean an individual may retire, start utilizing their pension and then return to work later.
“Our association is very proud that they share our vision that a strong public education system will allow Ohio to prosper when economic recovery begins in this country,” Lewis said.