Unions react to proposed staff cuts

• Scott Ellingson, WCEA union representative

Scott Ellingson, WCEA union representative

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The WCEA unions representing Hudson School District teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals and child nutritionists, and custodians released a statement Tuesday regarding the staff cuts being considered by the Hudson Board of Education.

“We are relieved that stimulus money was available and applied to reduce layoffs. However, we believe that there should be no layoffs at this time. Compromising quality while adding anyone to the unemployed works against the idea of economic stimulus. We are concerned about the loss of part-time custodians, two high school teachers, and the elementary library situation for next year. We hope that proper measures are taken now to plan ahead financially so that we can avoid similar events in the future.”

The statement was signed by union representatives Perry Scobey, Jill Kivi and Scott Ellingson.

The union has not responded or issued any statement regarding the wage and salary freeze that board members asked them to consider at the April 21 board meeting.

The unions and the School Board are currently in contract negotiations.

Tags: education, hudson, school, staff_cuts, union