Red Mesa school lays off 31

By Zsombor Peter
Staff Writer

GALLUP — In a desperate attempt to cope with a nearly $1 million shortfall in this year's budget, the Red Mesa school board laid off 31 staff members Friday afternoon.

School officials had been talking about letting as many as three dozen people go, but even 31 is a major hit to a rural district with only 220 or so employees.

Assistant Superintendent Don Lawrence said those laid off were strictly among the district's non-certified staff, such as teaching assistants, custodians and transportation personnel. He said the cuts should not lead to any larger classes.

"We're protecting our classrooms as much as possible," said Lawrence.

The layoffs were actually the district's second crack at austerity, and they may not be the last.

The first involved reining in employee perks, such as cell phones, long distance calls, and subsidized rent. Lawrence said that should save the district approximately $100,000.

He wasn't immediately sure how much money Friday's layoffs are expected to save. But if they're not enough, he said, the district could start laying off certified staff as well employees who need a state license to hold their positions including administrators and teachers.

According to Lawrence, the district found out about the shortfall only recently because, under the leadership of the former superintendent and business manager, William Bean and Stewart Waite, it hadn't completed an audit for the past four years.

Bean and Waite, who both resigned in August, may have had something to hide. According to Lawrence, they're currently under investigation by the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

"There are allegations of misspending I can't really get into," he said.

There may a ray of hope for the employees laid off Friday, at least. Lawrence said the district might start hiring some of them back in July, though probably with lower pay and fewer hours.