Possible layoffs loom in Naugatuck

Naugatuck, Conn. (WTNH) - Teachers in Naugatuck are staring at the very-real possibility of layoffs within the school system.

Notifications that jobs may be cut have already gone out, all thanks to budget cuts. Thursday night, a Board of Education meeting was held so folks could learn more about how the cuts will impact schools.

"Those are the talks we have at the dinner table," said parent Pablo Parades. Lessons often taught by parents like Paredes, who recently learned the district may have to let go 100 teachers next year to meet a balanced budget. He worries about his daughters education.

"It is my primary and primordial concern. Having said that, it's not only her future that concerns me, she is my number one priority, but there's also a lot of parents, a lot of kids, that can not be represented right here," said Paredes.

The concern is evident by the number of people packed like sardines in a small room at Salem Elementary School. All of them, listened closely to what the future may hold. Close to 100 teachers received notification this week a layoff may be possible. Superintendent Dr. Tindall-Gibson stresses nothing is set in stone yet.

"We don't know what our budget is going to be next year, so we don't know if we can afford all the teachers we have on staff, we'd like to be able to, but we just don't know," said Superintendent John Tindall-Gibson.

The Board of Education must fill an almost seven million dollar budget gap. One way to cut costs is cutting teachers. Another, school reconfiguration.

"My sons teacher is on that list. She's tremendous throughout the school year, it's heartbreaking to see the talent we could potentially lose her," added Paredes.

So for now, Naugatuck remains in a chasm of educational uncertainty in uncertain times.
Real-life lessons that even have an impact on those who still color and sit at small desks.

"The happy ending will be one that all kids benefit, but I don't know if that will happen," said Naugatuck Mayor Bob Mezzo.