Pontiac school board lays off all 622 of district's employees

Shawn D. Lewis / The Detroit News

PONTIAC -- Employees packed a Pontiac Public Schools board meeting Monday and waited long enough to hear what they had feared -- that every district employee will be laid off, all 622 -- and then spoke with their feet.

They walked out en masse.

The news, jarring when they learned of the possibility through the teachers union last week, was even more alarming when the school board voted 4-2 to approve the massive layoffs in a restructuring move. The district is struggling to deal with dwindling enrollment and a $10 million deficit. The layoffs take effect June 30.

"This is not right because it's the little people who are getting stepped on," said paraprofessional Sheila Williams, 56, who has worked in the district 12 years. "We haven't even been told how laying off everybody is going to save the district money."

District spokeswoman Georgette Johnson said the district is working on that part. Employees will be called back as needed, said Interim Superintendent Linda Paramore, and they should know by April 30. They'll be recalled based on seniority and qualifications. "They're working on the whole redesign, and we don't know yet how much money will be saved," she said.

Paramore's voice cracked when she described how difficult the decision was.

"We're not trying to be unfair to anyone," she said. "We see the harsh realities facing this nation and this world, but even without that, this district would still be facing these financial challenges."

Pamela Farris, president of the Pontiac Association of School Administrators, issued a statement to the board before the vote, saying the union would file a charge with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission and file a grievance if the layoffs were ordered.

"I am very disappointed, but not surprised," she said later. "We're just going to make sure we're at the bargaining table."

Pink slips are expected to be given to employees today through Thursday. Absent staff will receive a letter by certified mail.

The board voted in January to close eight schools.

"I understand the need for cuts," said Lisa Swansey, president of the teacher assistants union.

"But we are continually hiring consultants and contractors, when we have qualified staff right here who can do the work. We're hiring new people when we're laying off qualified people."