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Due to the uncertain financial future school districts across the state are facing, officials found themselves forced to pink slip several of the districts teachers.

In order to help balance a budget deficit, which is based on projected enrollment and proposed cuts in state funding, members approved issuing layoff notices to seven staff members for the 2007-08 school year.

"It is my hope that we will recall all of these teachers once we receive a clearer picture on student counts, budget projections, and staff retirements," noted Superintendent Kathy Stewart.

In good news, eight of the district's teachers were approved for tenure. Board members approved granting tenure status at the conclusion of the 2006-07 school year to Jerry Ciarlino, Steve Guzdial, Jason Hemgesberg, Daniel Lucas, Lona Oliver, Lindsay Pierce, Danielle Samyn, and Scott Sawyer.

Also, four teachers were granted continuing probationary status for the 2007-08 school year. Those teachers are Carolyn Collard, Erica Johnson, Nathan Leale, and Kari Weideman.

In other business, the board approved the following items:

ïParticipation in the School of Choice program for the 2007-08 school year.

ïThe installation of an access control system at the high school that will allow the school to have control of who has access to the building at what times of the day, as well as being able to track who came and went, and when.

"Because of security concerns at schools around the country we want to do everything possible to ensure we provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students," noted Stewart.

ïA proposal to contract substitute teachers and non-district employee coaches with Professional Contract Management, Inc. (PCMI), a company that specializes in educational contracting. Due to the fact that every school in the county is signing an agreement with PCMI, they have offered a slightly reduced service charge rate.

"Every penny saved is one that does not have to be cut elsewhere," stated Stewart.