Asst. Superintendent Thomas Van Soelen forwards another note from the superintendent.  This one seems to leave the door a bit more open for potential furlough days later in the school year.

We are reviewing the situation. While we do not wish to cut short the work of our teachers and staff, the serious nature of the economic picture may require that we take this step. We are exploring the options. At this time, should we consider the reduction of work calendars, as suggested by the Governor, we will plan forward so the days in question can take place the latter part of the year.

For the past week or so we’ve been reading daily about the metro-area fallout from the governor’s decision to help fill around 10% of the state’s $900 million budget shortfall by asking (not telling) school systems to put their teachers on 3-day furloughs sometime in the coming school year.

Within hours of the governors request, both Gwinnett and Forsyth counties announced their furlough days, while Cobb County decided to dip into their reserves to cover the shortfall.  Closer to home, DeKalb County, who already has one furlough day this school year due to a local revenue shortage, announced they wouldn’t enact furloughs, but instead would eliminate payments to teacher and administration retirement plans.

But, what about Decatur?  In response to my question, Asst. Superintendent Thomas Van Soelen forwarded a note that was just sent out to teachers.

The governor has decided to withhold 3 days worth of salaries for school districts this coming school year. Doctor Edwards will present a plan to the board of education in August, but she wanted to let each of you know now that preplanning days for teachers and paraprofessionals are not affected. The first day back will still be August 5, Opening Day at Agnes Scott College. If City Schools of Decatur needs to eliminate three days, the days will occur later on in the year.