Central Kitsap schools could cut 13 teachers

Thirteen teachers may not return to their classrooms next school year if the Central Kitsap School District acts on a recommendation made Wednesday night.

Superintendent Greg Lynch said the teachers will be notified today Friday if their job is being cut.

“Behind the details, there is a face,” Lynch said. “And, that is not lost on me or the school board.”

As part of a study session on budget and staffing, Lynch recommended 13 certificated positions be eliminated. Also on the chopping block is one administrative position and three classified jobs.

The board voted 5-0 to give Lynch the authority to go forward.

The number of positions could change between now and when the school board adopts the budget for next school year, Lynch said. If that’s the case, some of those teachers may be recalled.

A letter from the Central Kitsap Education Association addressed to the board stated the decisions will “lead to an incredible amount of stress in our district.”

The letter also mentioned the problems with recalling some staff, and not others, “leaving feelings of distrust.”

District Business Executive Director David McVicker said the cuts stem from the district losing both students and money from the state.

“There’s a double whammy in front of us,” McVicker said.

Lynch said that if the district continues to lose students, something predicted to happen, more cuts could be on the horizon.

“Let’s hope we’re not accurate, and have more students in the fall,” he said.

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