A wrench in the site selection process: no new teachers allowed
by Paul Socolar on May 06 2010 Posted in Latest news
As readers have pointed out on our blog, schools were cancelling interviews with prospective new teachers and putting hiring processes on hold after a Wednesday email from Superintendent Arlene Ackerman to principals announcing a hiring freeze on new teachers.
The problem, Ackerman said, is that there may not be enough District jobs to absorb all the current teachers wishing to return to the District next fall. She wrote:
"As a result of a number of changes to our staffing for the fall, we currently have a pool of over 1,400 teachers in all subject fields and grade levels who will need a placement for 2010-2011. Although a number of them will be selected through the upcoming transfer and site-based selection process, I am concerned that there will not be sufficient vacancies to accommodate all who will need a placement. Our resignation and retirement rate has been lower than in past years, which is positive, but it also means fewer vacancies for existing staff.
"For the time being, effective immediately, I am freezing all new teacher
