Teacher Layoffs in Elgin Illinois

School district U46, in Elgin Illinois, is issuing reduction in force notices to 132 employees, 53 of whom are teachers.  According to district spokesman Tony Sanders, these are routine layoffs and not related to the budget.  Each year the school board lays off employees whose positions are paid for by grants or teachers who are certified but not in the area in which they are currently working.  If the grant is renewed or the teacher obtains proper certification, they are eligible for rehire.

Last year the district cut over 400 education positions due to budget gaps, but was able to balance the budget for the 2010-2011 school year.  The district still faces a $40 million structural deficit and is considering issuing some bonds to get itself over that hurdle.