"School officials say furloughing teachers could help districts save money without cutting jobs.
But for teachers in a state that ranks near the bottom in pay, the proposal is disconcerting.
Richland teacher Bonnie Crapps called it a 'slippery slope.'
'Once you start furloughing, there's no telling where it will go,' Crapps said. 'This is people's livelihood. Some of these teachers have been teaching a long time.
'This is our career. Whether people believe it or not, a lot of money is tied up in our education.'
The state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow schools to furlough teachers up to five days over three years, including this fiscal year.
Teachers would be furloughed on days designated for training.
The bill moves back to the House, where it faces an uncertain fate. The House rejected a previous furlough proposal, but House Education Committee Chairman Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, says something has to give."
But for teachers in a state that ranks near the bottom in pay, the proposal is disconcerting.
Richland teacher Bonnie Crapps called it a 'slippery slope.'
'Once you start furloughing, there's no telling where it will go,' Crapps said. 'This is people's livelihood. Some of these teachers have been teaching a long time.
'This is our career. Whether people believe it or not, a lot of money is tied up in our education.'
The state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow schools to furlough teachers up to five days over three years, including this fiscal year.
Teachers would be furloughed on days designated for training.
The bill moves back to the House, where it faces an uncertain fate. The House rejected a previous furlough proposal, but House Education Committee Chairman Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, says something has to give."
