A DCPS insider advises me that a first round Reduction In Force (also known as RIF) will begin October 1. A second round Reduction In Force (RIF) is reportedly scheduled to begin October 15. Teachers who are working as co-teachers and not officially on their local school budget, teachers working as gifts to the school and teachers working outside of their area of certification are likely to be the first to be let go. Teachers beware ! My source reports that DC principals have been advised not to answer teachers questions or concerns on this subject.As I have reported on my blog, Chancellor Rhee hired well over 900 new teachers this school year before many excessed teachers were placed. While other local school districts were hiring less new teachers, DCPS administrators under the Rhee administration hired new teachers even before their May and June college graduation dates. Inside sources state that DCPS principals were encouraged to hire many of the newbie teachers first in advance of teacher job fairs and before existing teachers were aware they had ever been excessed. Many believe that a reduction in force (RIF) could have been avoided if less teachers had been hired this year. It will be a travesty especially since teachers will be let go during these tough financial times and after the school year has already started.
As the upcoming date approaches for DCPS equalization (official student count for DCPS) , the day of DOOM for many teachers is fast approaching. Chancellor Michelle Rhee has made promises to reduce a significant share of her teaching workforce and so it seems she is making good on this promise at least. Stay tuned for more details on this subject. I will post information as it becomes available from my DC inside source. If you have information concerning the reduction in force, please feel free to email me c/o saveourcounselors@gmail.com
Posted by The Washington Teacher
