Argos School Board to consider staff reduction
5-19-03
Pilot Staff Report
ARGOS � The Argos School Board will once again discuss a reduction in staff when the board meets tonight.
The school board is scheduled to convene at 7 p.m. in the Argos School Auditorium. Reduced state and federal funding along with decreased revenue has forced the Argos School Board to look at reducing its certified staff.
Tonight the board will discuss cutting four teachers. School officials have stated four positions may not be a large number for some school districts, but for a small school corporation like Argos, losing four certified teachers will have a significant impact on the elementary, junior high and high school.
The four teachers named on the school board agenda are: Lori Overmyer, Judy McLaughlin, Karyn McFarland and Mary Relos.
Due to a possible budget shortfall, Argos Superintendent Connie Curry has previously stated the board may not have any choice. The school needs to cut teachers or reduce and eliminate programs.
Argos is also in the midst of a contract impasse with the Argos Education Association. Argos teachers are working under the terms of their 2001 contracts. Neither side is allowed to discuss the details of their talks, but in most schools increasing insurance premiums and salaries are the key issues. The schools claim they do not have the money to cover the entire costs.
Officials with the Indiana State Teacher Association have said teachers cannot afford insurance increases without a decent pay raise.
Additional items on the agenda include:
� Approval for a general Internet workshop and an Internet workshop for kindergarten and first grade teachers.
�Monthly reports and personnel matters.
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