Central Falls Layoffs 42 in Schools, Teachers Union Says Will Have “Devastating” Impact

Central Falls Layoffs 42 in Schools, Teachers Union Says Will Have “Devastating” Impact

The Central Falls teachers’ union issued a statement Tuesday expressing “extremely disappointed” that the Central Falls Board of Trustees voted to lay off 36  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 teaching workforce.  The vote was initially 2-3 against the motion before a board member reversed and voted to issue the layoff notices.

Central Falls Mayor James Diossa did not respond to a request for comment.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

“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”

The layoffs also cause 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.

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