CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Outrage is brewing in Clayton County over a plan to pull money out of teacher paychecks.
Clayton County school board members are considering taking back millions to combat a $50 million shortfall the district faces over the next two years. Taking programs away from students is also on the table.
"I know we're making hard choices, and I ask you to pray for us," board member Mary Baker told an upset crowd at Tuesday's board meeting.
Last December, Clayton County Schools used federal jobs money to give all employees five days' pay in exchange for taking five days of training later this year. District Superintendent Edmond Heatley suggested a plan to get employees to repay that money, totaling $ 6.4 million dollars over the next 12 months. The suggestion didn't go over well with employees.
"That's just messy, and it's questionable legally or ethically," said Sid Chapman, of the Clayton County Education Association.
Parents and students -- some with signs – also showed up at the meeting to defend their side. The board is considering reducing several elementary programs, such as music. There are also recommendations to delay textbook purchases and cut positions, including bus drivers and teachers.
Heatley said if teachers are unwilling to return the $6.8 million, they may still lose some pay.
"If we cannot do it, I'll very willingly take off the table recouping of funds, but in its place five furlough days for the upcoming year," he said.
Tuesday's meeting closed with no final decisions. The board will hold a special meeting Monday to continue hashing out cuts.