New Berlin School District could lose one-third of teachers in fall
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Lacey Crisp reports Video by 620wtmj.com
video
You can read a letter under Related Documents sent by the New Berlin School District superintendent about their anticipated teacher turn-over
NEW BERLIN- Concern for parents and students in New Berlin as the school district could lose one-third of its teachers this fall.
As of Tuesday, 48 teachers out of nearly 330 have already given their notice, according to a press release; TODAY'S TMJ4 was told more resignations are on the way.
According to a New Berlin School District Superintendent Joe Garza, the district only anticipates a total of 50-60 staff members lost before the next school year.
Jill Werner was with the New Berlin School District for 15 years, but she is taking a paycut to leave the district.
"It was more difficult than a lot of people probably think it was for me," said Werner. "I struggled with it for two months."
She argues it's not about Act 10 -- the controversial law signed by Gov. Scott Walker that removed most collective bargaining for most public employees -- now that every district now has Act 10 in place.
"I think it's a misconception that it's all about money," said Werner. "It's about if you can ask us for input. All of these other districts around us talk about staff input."
Roger Dickson works for the district and says the resignations will create a challenge for the district, but that they will be able to hire quality staff in time for the new year.
"We've heard that same message and it's kind of surprising. We have more teachers involved in curriculum than any other year," said Dickson. "They are leaving because they are just not in line with the changes that we're bringing in place."
But the exodus has parents concerned.
"It sounds like the school board is just trying to do what they want to do. They are not including teachers, parents, things like that. They are saying this is what we're doing, we don't care if it hurts the teachers or hurts the students," said New Berlin parent Judy Kozlowski.
Teachers have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to let the district know if they are staying or leaving without facing a financial penalty.
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