“We’re not planning on laying anybody off,” Albritton told The Mirror, but warned “Depending on what the legislature does, we may have to shift and do something differently.
“If we lose $3 million, they’ll probably lay me off,” he quipped. “So I mean, who knows?”
Like public schools across Texas, Gilmer ISD has been preparing for a potential reduction in state funding caused by the state’s multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. The exact amount of reduction to the district is not yet known.
“We have had, just like we would in any year, people that have not performed well that we have not extended a contract on. . . We have had some terminations in probationary contracts, and some people have resigned,” Albritton said. “As people leave through attrition, we’ll reduce our staff as much as we can (that way),” he added.
“I would say that every position that is open will be very carefully scrutinized” as to whether it is filled, the superintendent added.
Albritton also said the state may force the district into teacher furloughs (unpaid time off), which he dislikes. He said he believed it was deceptive to have a contract stating a teacher will work 187 days, but will only get paid for 180.
He said something like four bills concerning furloughs are pending in the Texas Legislature.
As for the five teachers who opted for early retirement/resignation, Albritton said, “We planned for 20. That tells me people like their jobs. People like working here and we don’t want to force anybody out.”
Four of the five are longtime instructors, including kindergarten teacher Ruby Nell Allen, who has taught 40-some years. The others who took advantage of the offer are Don Ledbetter, Kathy Langford, Remona Tate and Regina Tefteller, said Albritton.
I have watched the Gilmer Buckeyes for several years now and have always been amazed at how loyal the fans are----- my question to you now is: When are you going to stand up for the true loyal Buckeyes rather than the transplants??? Is Rick Albritton a true Buckeye or is he just riding on the coat talls of those of you who are born and bred Gilmer loyals? These teachers and principals are forced to resign and he acts as if they willingly did this---- a LOYAL Buckeye news reporter who gets NO recognition for 30 years of reporting Buckeye Football---- What about the luncheon today that was held at noon when most people are working--- what about the faithful few who didn't even get invited to the luncheon???? It is time for the REAL BUCKEYES to stand up and recognize the faithful few and get out of Slick Rick's Pocket.
There needs to be a check and balance done on the remaining new comers to some of the campuses. They remain where others were let go with out any negatives on their record. This is not a good thing for the school district. Does he think these people who were let go will put up with this lie in this article.. Sounds like someone needs to go to the school board members individually.