CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Clayton County teachers and physical education programs will take a hit because of budget cuts. Teachers will end up returning some money they were already paid.
Channel 2's Linda Stouffer was at the heated Monday night meeting where the school board approved five teacher furlough days. Public outcry saved elementary school counseling, music and art programs, but PE programs will be cut in half. Superintendent Edmond Heatley said the board needs to trim about $50 million in the next two years to make up for a shortfall.
"Each school would be allocated half a PE teacher, or more succinctly, one PE teacher per two elementary schools," Heatley said.
The decision didn't go over well with many teachers.
"Children need us full time, art and music or PE," said PE teacher Marc Fordham.
Fordham is worried about more than the children he coaches.
"I have kids of my own, twin 7-year-olds. I have to tell them I have to find another job," Fordham said.
The controversial cuts are part of an approved budget plan. The five furlough days, effective immediately, are expected to save $6 million. Three snow days, which were already paid for, will be refunded to the district out of teacher paychecks. Two upcoming teacher workdays will also be unpaid.
WSB-TV Teacher Pay The teacher's union president said it was a surprise.
"Obviously, there's some confusion about what they we're voting on. It's been that way along the whole process," Sid Chapman told Channel 2's Linda Stouffer.
Chapman said first thing Tuesday, teachers will get legal advice on whether the decision is a legal option so late in the school year.
But one board member said things could be worse.
"I apologize because we have to make these furlough days, which will cut into their paychecks. At least they do still have a job," Jessie Goree said.
WSBTV
