WCPSS Freezes Hiring in Response to Economy
February 6, 2009 - Preparing for a challenging budget environment due to the continuing economic downturn, the Wake County Public School System has implemented a hiring freeze until at least June 30, 2009. Positions vacant as of February 6, 2009, will remain unfilled unless they are considered "mission-critical." Exceptions will be made for school-based teacher vacancies, but principals will have to fill those positions on a temporary basis.
More Information
Podcast: Interview with Dr. Burns (3:30)
Memo from Dr. Burns to Principals and Central Services Administrators
"Although Wake County's economy is in a better position than most, our state and county government still expect a serious shortfall in revenue," said Superintendent Del Burns. "We are positioning WCPSS for anticipated decreases in revenue based on trends in the economy. These are uncertain times for families, businesses and WCPSS employees alike, but together we can work through them."
Principals will be able to offer contracts terminating on June 30, 2009, to teachers needed to fill school-based teaching vacancies. Filling mission-critical vacancies elsewhere in WCPSS will require the Superintendent's approval.
The hiring freeze is the latest step in responding to the economic downturn.
The Wake County Board of Education previously reduced the school system's budget by $11.2 million on December 2, 2008, due to a directive from the state and a request from county government. State funding was reduced by 1.45 percent for Central Services and 0.73 percent for schools. Local funding was reduced by 2.88 percent for Central Services and 0.49 percent for schools. Out-of-state travel was frozen on a system-wide basis, although school field trips are currently exempted. The purchase of replacement fixed assets and new buses was deferred as well. School budgets for instructional supplies and classroom materials were reduced by $7.25 per student.
"Past actions by the school board and our leadership team have helped minimize the impact to our classrooms to this point, although we now have less flexibility," said Chief Business Officer David Neter. "We will continue to manage the economic uncertainty in a thoughtful, methodical and deliberate manner with a focus on our students, as well as the WCPSS employees who serve them and our schools."