There will be at least 100 fewer people working with students who have disabilities in Metro Schools next year. The district announced the job cuts today, blaming an end of federal stimulus money.
Attrition may ease some of the job cuts. Others are expected to take positions as bus drivers or cafeteria workers. But the district may still resort to layoffs. A statement from Metro Schools says the full number of positions that need to be reduced won’t be known until later this summer.
So-called “para-professionals” work with disabled students, even just getting them from class to class. A spokesperson for the district says those who require one-on-one attention will still get it, even after the reduction.
Right now, Metro Schools has 632 employees working with disabled students. Those whose jobs are being cut will get an official letter later this week. A new employment policy allows the district to decide who stays and who goes based on skills and abilities rather than just seniority.
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