Some area teachers learn their jobs are in jeopardy

SOUTH BEND -- It's that time of year again. Several districts, including South Bend schools, issued notice to teachers that their job could be eliminated.

The Reduction in Force or RIF notice requires school districts to give notice that lay-offs could happen, but it's not a guarantee their position will be eliminated.

While fewer RIF notices were given this year compared to last year, a reduction in state funding is the reason some southwest Michigan schools were forced to issue notice to teachers.

Richard Weigel, Superintendent of Niles Community Schools said Niles will spend $470 less per student because of a reduction in spending.

Weigel outlined his plans to school board members Thursday night. This year 22 teachers received notice their positions could be eliminated. Three teachers already announced their intentions to retire at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.

Last year, nine teachers received RIF notices. Six were recalled. Brandywine Schools announced eight teachers received RIF notices.

For the 2009-2010 school year, WSBT News reported Brandywine issued 17 RIF notices.

South Bend schools also announced 79 teachers received RIF notices this year.

Sue Coney, communications specialist for South Bend Community School Corporation, confirmed the preliminary number.

"Legally we have to give notice to teachers if their position will be eliminated," said Coney.

This year, teachers from the Elkhart Community Schools, Penn-Harris-Madison schools and Mishawaka schools did not receive RIF notices.

WSBT News confirmed these numbers are preliminary.

Retirements and resignations could allow some teachers to be recalled this fall.