Levies and RIFs

Here's something that has been severely on my mind the past few weeks:

Battle Ground School District, where I teach, put out a levy in February that was meant to cover 20% of the current operating budget of our schools. It was a replacement levy for the last one that passed three years ago.

Every other school district around that put out levies passed them (Vancouver, Evergreen) however, Battle Grounds did not pass with a simple majority of 50% plus one votes.

Now the district is talking about getting another levy on the ballot for the end of April. But as you can imagine, it is stressful not knowing the fate of your job until a few months. And, I'm sure everyone knows in their heart of hearts, that my job will be one of the first to go if we have to make cuts.

I'm near the bottom of a very long seniority list (that was recently printed out and posted in the staff room) and I teach a subject many people find excessive and unnecessary. So, if the district has to make cuts, I can just about guarantee I will be RIFed (Reduction In Force) or "given the pink slip". This is very frustrating when you feel like students, teachers, parents, and your principals all like you, you've gotten a program going successfully, and feel like you've done nothing wrong.

My 6th Grade Drama Class (big hams)

It is hard to feel like that fate of your job is out of your control. It is so sad to think that I am currently working so hard to build up this brand new drama program and that it might just be completely shut down. If I had to leave this school next year I think I would significantly feel like I hadn't finished what I had started and was abandoning my students (many of which I think greatly benefit from taking drama). I also can't even think about applying for jobs again in May knowing what a major wringer I felt I was put through last summer applying.

If you know ANYONE living in the Battle Ground School District, please encourage them to pass the levy in April.


Fox News on the failing of the Battle Ground Levy