Crowd decries Norfolk schools' plan to cut jobs

NORFOLK

The prospect of cutting 410 school jobs brought out tears, outrage and a crowd of more than 400 Wednesday at the School Board's public hearing on the proposed budget.

Teachers, school employees and parents denounced the cuts, proposed for the next school year, as part of a package to offset an estimated $40 million in higher fixed costs and state funding reductions to the Norfolk division.

"I haven't had a raise, I'm working three jobs - all that aside, there is nothing more important than our school. It is not disposable," teacher Karen Roberts said of Willoughby Elementary School, which has been named in discussions on closing schools.

The crowd packed the Norview Middle School auditorium and overflowed into the cafeteria. Dozens wore T -shirts emblazened "Kids First," or raised placards declaring, "Hands off the Classroom" and "NPS 'nationally recognized' for cuts?"

Under the budget, employees would get no pay raises or tuition reimbursement and would have to absorb a 12.5-percent increase in health insurance costs. Some grades would see class sizes get bigger. The cuts would include 135 teaching positions.

"I can tell you unequivocally, the worker bees are tired of being the scapegoats," said Marian Flickinger, president of the Norfolk Federation of Teachers. "The majority of the cuts fall on the employees who are the most underpaid."

Several speakers said far more administrators in the division's central office should be cut, instead of teachers.

Amy Woods, a Larchmont Elementary School PTA spokeswoman, said teachers already are rationing school supplies in the decrepit 80-year-old building.

"Strong schools are as much of a part of our economic development as hotels and trains," Woods said in a clear reference to Norfolk's tax-supported subsidies for light rail and businesses.

"Whoo!" the crowd roared in agreement.

Other speakers denounced the elimination of custodians, teacher assistants, the Coronado school for pregnant students and teen mothers, and information technology experts.

Jones has warned that wage reductions and school closings might be necessary if the General Assembly adopts proposals to cut more education funding.

Steven G. Vegh, (757) 446-2417, steven.vegh@pilotonline.com