45 New Orleans school security laid off www.privateofficer.com
The Recovery School District has laid off 45 security guards in a cost-cutting move, according to the district’s security director Eddie Compass.
The layoffs, which were announced today, reduce the number of guards working in district-run schools to 77, Compass said.
“It’s a tough time for the state from an economic standpoint so tough decisions have to be made. Thank God we have tough people in positions of authority that are making these decisions,” Compass said Thursday. “We have to be fiscally responsible.”
The security layoffs are part of about $20 million in operational cuts to the RSD’s district-run schools. Officials are expected to layoff about 35 central office employees in addition to an unspecified number of social workers, nurses and other employees.
Compass said the district hopes to install cameras in more schools and lean on school administrators for support.
The layoffs will have a minimal effect on the district’s truancy program, which will still use assigned New Orleans Police officers, Compass said.
“The biggest effects we’ll have from the cuts will be in the actual schools,” Compass said.
Compass said the district started the year with 132 security guards in district-run schools and ended the year with 122 security personnel.
Recovery School District Superintendent Paul Vallas couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Thursday morning.
Last week, Vallas unveiled a balanced $176 million operating budget, his leanest spending plan since taking helm of the district in 2007, setting off the rounds of layoffs. The district will also operate with fewer teachers because of charter conversions, school program closures and the phase out of several high schools.
In the central office, Vallas said the district will eliminate about 50 positions, reducing the central office to around 120 people.
District officials have not released details on the layoffs in each of the categories.
Follow Us On Twitter/privateofficer
Join Us At MySpace/privateofficernews
Join The National Association of Private Officers
