Burmeister: School District Not Planning Teacher Layoffs

Despite deep cuts in state aid likely on its way, the Oak Creek-Franklin School District is not planning on laying off any teachers, Superintendent Sara Burmeister said Monday.

Her comments at a committee meeting in the district offices came just a day before Gov. Scott Walker is set to release his state budget proposal, which is widely expected to contain big cuts to local governments and school districts.

Walker's budget address is scheduled for 4 p.m Tuesday.

The committee reviewed teacher contracts for the 2011-12 school year. The School Board will take them up March 14. 

The contracts given to teachers will lack any compensation specifics and simply inform them that they have a job for another year. By law, teachers must sign them by mid-April. Contracts for teacher aides will not be addressed until later this year, Burmeister said.

Burmeister also reported the district has a higher number of retirements than usual this year. Because of how much is unknown at the state level, many are retiring now with their post-retirement benefits certain, she said.