By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – District 87 staff members concerned with their job security can breathe a sigh of relief.
Superintendent Barry Reilly said the school board approving a letter of understanding with teacher unions regarding reduction in force is a way to protect staff members throughout the district.
“We’ve got excellent people,” Reilly said. “The minute that you are one of those people who are impacted, that’s very personal. They want to be employed and would certainly want to be employed here. But if they are being reduced, they are going to go look for where they can be employed.”
The approval gives staff members who are let go during the school year the ability to interview for other jobs and even take a personal day while still employed by the district. Reilly said he is expecting this to impact a very small number of staff members.
“This is a common thing that is done each and every year,” said Reilly. “I couldn’t tell you how many positions could be impacted, but I expect it to be minimal.”
Reilly added that conservative spending and budgeting by the district has resulted in that projection. As for ongoing issues at the state level, Reilly said he continues to monitor budget discussions in Springfield, though he isn’t expecting a compromise anytime soon.
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
