Video: Dozens of Jefferson Co. teachers lose jobs

Some of the Jefferson County teachers let go were non-tenured and paid out of local tax revenue.  However the news isn’t all bad, some teachers may be re-hired.

Middle and High School English teacher Chekena Thomas had just finished her first year at Brighton Middle School when she was let go.

Layed Off, Chekena Thomas said, “As much as you prepare for it, I still think that you’re a little disappointed because no one wants to lose their job.“’

With a masters under her belt and a third child on the way due in November, Thomas is weighing her options about her future and remembering her work at Brighton.

Thomas said, “It’s just a connection that you get with the kids and you feel like you’re actually helping students learn.“

Thomas was one of 79 teachers let go, all funded by local tax dollars.
The teachers union believes school officials are doing the best they can.

AFT Union President, Vi Paramore said, “I was hoping we could keep all 200 units but the revenues are such the year after next that its going to be very difficult.“

According to Paramore, the dollars used for teacher salaries will instead be given to teachers in the way of school supplies and copy machines.  That money was cut due to pro-ration.  That’s where stimulus dollars come to the rescue.

Jefferson Co Schools, Dr. Joan Buckley said, “Many of the stimulus dollars were tied to, strings for federal guidelines.  There will be some additional federal units hired as well.“

Thomas doesn’t know if she’ll be rehired, she just knows she wants to get back into the classroom.

Thomas said, “I just really enjoyed teaching so I don’t think I’ll ever lose that zeal, even if I have to go somewhere else to do it.“

School officials tell NBC13, Jefferson County will continue to fund more than 100 locally funded teaching units.  But it will be fifty fewer than this past year.