LAUREL, Del. - It's a new year and a fresh start for the Laurel School District. In May, over 15 educators were told they wouldn't have a job, thanks to a more than $650,000 budget deficit.
"A few of those teachers were able to get jobs in other districts and we were able to offer all of the others a job back here in the Laurel School District," said Dr. Dorothy Nave, Acting Superintendent.
Diane Pounesberry was one of them. The 8-year-veteran at North Laurel Elementary lost her librarian job, but was called back as a second grade teacher.
"I didn't think I'd have a worry. I thought I'd be placed immediately into a classroom of one grade or another because I'm certified up to 8th grade, and it didn't happen so I was quite surprised and taken aback but it all worked out," she said.
They did have to keep some cuts, like the para-professional position for in-school suspensions.
"We faired much better than many districts in the country. It has been a rough time for education," said Dr. Nave.
Yet, the children seem un-phased, at least when it comes to learning. Test scores are in and reading is up. Laurel High School ranked 7th out of 31, a positive start to a new year.
Officials say they hope to do even better this year. They also say they don't see any more budget woes looming over their district any time soon.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WMDT. All Rights Reserved. For more
information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
