Staff Cuts Becoming A Reality

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By Kyle Trompeter

Summary

Schools are finding ways to work around cuts. As a smaller district, Umatilla is in better shape than some of its neighbors. They are cutting 12 positions, but will only lose one person.

Story Published: May 21, 2009 at 5:38 PM PST

OREGON - Schools are finding ways to work around cuts. As a smaller district, Umatilla is in better shape than some of its neighbors. They are cutting 12 positions, but will only lose one person.

"The cuts that we made were drastic as well. The difference was that we made them early, so we've had time to adjust.

So Umatilla couldn't save the positions, but they were able to move staff around. What about Hermiston? They're losing some staff. Did they take similar steps to try to keep the cuts low?

Action News asked the Hermiston superintendent that exact question.
He says, yes, Hermiston moved as many people as they could into open spots, but as a larger district some cuts were still unavoidable.

"The number of folks that will lose jobs in Hermiston are about 20 to 22. They will lose jobs," said Hermiston Superintendent Fred Maiocco.

It could have been worse. Just last week, they were expecting layoffs double that, but they managed to move people into open positions.

"The cuts in Hermiston are less severe than in other districts. That's because our enrollment continues to grow where other districts are declining in enrollment," said Maiocco.