After hearing impassioned pleas from a cross-section of speakers, Naperville School District 203 will not honorably dismiss any of the 38 previously named teachers in a reduction-in-force (RIF) proposal, based on a directive from the board of education at a Monday, March 16, meeting.
The board made its decision after a lengthy public hearing for the proposed RIF. Approximately 80 teachers, parents, students, and community members spoke to the board about the proposal, which comes as the district is grappling with budget deficits in upcoming years.
RIF public hearing exceeded four hours
A number of speakers addressing the board weighed in with comments about specific staff members who were on the RIF list, as well as overall comments about the educators and the impact the uncertainty has taken on staff morale.
“They are mentors for our community, the people who shape our students, and the people who have allowed our education, our sports, and our club teams to succeed in the way that they do,” Naperville Central High School senior Drake Wang said. “They have brought about great mentoring and inspiration for each and every student.”…