Canton Educators: School Districts should put students first

The Canton Unit School District 66 school board meeting will be attended by the Canton Education Association (CEA). They will urge the board to reconsider reductions in force (RIFs) that would leave nearly 30 educators without a job. The CEA is asking for continued transparency in the process.

The CEA is also asking for the RIFs to be evaluated once there is clarity about what the 2020-21 school year will look like and about the impact of COVID-19 on the district’s finances. CEA Co-President Amy Evans said, “Every single one of our education support staff contributes to students’ success. We are Canton. On average, each and every one of us has more than a decade of experience in our school district.”

Evans added, “We do these jobs because we love our students and we care about their success and the success of our community. Without talented staff, our students run the risk of not having access to the best public education possible. I sincerely hope we all can continue to work with the students we know and love this fall.”

RIFs for 17 reading aides and 9 school bus aides is proposed by the District 66. They have given such proposals due to the uncertainty surrounding school finances this fall. The RIF process allows positions to be recalled, or reinstated, in order of seniority. Evans said, “This is an extremely difficult time for everyone. We appreciate the district’s efforts to keep us informed of the decision-making process.”

Evans added, “We know the COVID-19 crisis has created a lot of uncertainty and a lot of unknowns, especially around our finances and when it comes to how our schools will operate this fall. However, we want these positions to be recalled back as quickly as possible. We believe it’s paramount to student success.”