43
Shifting 8th grade to Memorial High will save $500K, Campbell chief says
Photo
Campbell Superintendent Thomas Robey
By Jeanne Starmack
CAMPBELL
The schools superintendent is expected to update the school board tonight on the district’s plan to send eighth-graders to the high school next year.
The school board unanimously approved Superintendent Thomas Robey’s recommendation for the change at its March 10 meeting. Eighth-graders, who now attend Campbell Middle School, will attend Memorial High School in the fall.
The change, Robey said, will reduce staffing and will save a minimum of $500,000.
In a letter posted on the district’s website, Robey projects a reduction of certified teaching staff by five to six employees. He projects a reduction of classifed employees by five to six and a reduction of administrators and nonunion staff by two employees.
He said reductions would be accomplished through attrition, resignations and retirements; the nonrenewal of staff employed by federal stimulus dollars or Education Jobs dollars; collective-bargaining agreements or individual contracts; or reductions in force.
He said two teaching positions, in math and language arts, will transfer to the high school along with the eighth-graders. He said those jobs will be posted, and staff will be able to bid on them.
The middle school, which will include fifth- and sixth-graders, will lose one administrator. Assistant Principal Robert Carlson will move to the high school and become assistant principal there, Robey said. Jacquelin Hampton, who is now assistant principal at the high school, will become principal, he said. Principal Richard Gozur will retire.
Robey said Tuesday that students can be served with fewer staff members because of declining enrollment.
He said the district is working to try to reduce staff without layoffs.
“It’s a difficult thing to do when you reorganize and potentially lay off staff,” he said.
Robey also has recommended the board set aside consideration of a new levy until the reorganization and reductions are accomplished and “we know and understand the ramifications of the next Ohio biennium budget.”
He also recommended setting aside discussion of a policy that would permit open enrollment in the coming school year.
“My rationale ... is to avoid making too many changes at one time,” his letter states.
Robey also said there has been no decision regarding busing for eighth-graders. He said the district is doing a study, and he is waiting for a report from the transportation director.
Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 in Room 310 at the high school.