300 School System Employees Could Be Laid Off

In Pike County, administrators say as many as 300 employees could be laid off.

Pike County School Officials say it all boils down to not having enough money.

All non-tenured employees could be on the chopping block.

School board officials already sent out layoff notices to all of them letting them know they may not be back next year.

Second year Pike County Central teacher Dedra Hall says she loves her job teaching English, but she might not be back next year.

She received a termination letter.

“I knew I was getting it, so I wasn't surprised,” Hall said.

Potential layoffs haven't been a secret.

First year superintendent Roger Wagner has said all year long budget problems will force them to cut staff next year.

“I'm not gonna say it was easy. It's been the most difficult task or challenge I've had facing me so far,” Superintendent Wagner said.

He says over-staffing issues and the new state mandated raises are the problem.

There's just simply not enough money to pay everyone's salary next year.

All non-tenured employees, 156 teachers and 153 other staff members, got a layoff notice.
Superintendent Wagner says a termination letter doesn't necessarily mean they're gone for good.

He says more money from the state and federal funds could help ease the financial crunch and prevent some of the layoffs.

“We kind of have to wait and see how all of those come in to see exactly what our budget is looking at and that's going to drive a lot on what we can do with this personnel,” Wagner said.

The waiting game isn't easy for those with the letters.

“Anxiety, there's always anxiety if you think about losing your job,” Hall said.

Dedra Hall doesn't know if she'll be teaching English, but she has no plans for a career change.
Superintendent Wagner says he hopes to have the final budget sometime this month and says he will notify all of those who might be out of the job as soon as possible.