In addition to state-mandated services, the layoffs are based on the elimination of school nurses. Art and Music at the elementary schools will be cut and librarians and physical education / health teachers will be reduced.

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The Central Falls Teachers’ Union (CFTU) is extremely disappointed that the Central Falls Board of Trustees voted on Saturday to lay off 36 dedicated Central Falls teachers after having already approved six other layoffs. There are approximately 240 teachers this school year, and the total number of layoffs are close to 20% of the teacher workforce. The vote was initially 2-3 against the motion before a Board member voiced her desire to change her vote.

“This vote means that services will be eliminated for our neediest students” said CFTU President Tracey Cavanaugh. ”Eliminating services for students with special needs and English language learners after three months of distance learning will have a devastating impact on Central Falls students. Our students need more consistency, not more disruption.”

In addition to state-mandated services, the layoffs are based on the elimination of school nurses. Art and Music at the elementary schools will be cut and librarians and physical education / health teachers will be reduced.

Recently, a number of Rhode Island charter schools accepted millions of dollars in federal CARES Act funding for a program that public schools are not eligible for.

“It is incomprehensible that privately-operated charter schools can stockpile millions in federal dollars while public school students lose programs and services.” said Cavanaugh.

[From a press release]

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See also: NEA Rhode Island: Lay-off notices? Just follow the rules

Here’s Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo reacting to news of teacher layoff notices last week.