Millions of Dollars Could Help Laid off Teachers

Swiftwater, Monroe County - Junior High School student Bryant Paredes was upset when one of his favorite teachers got laid off. She was one of about 150 Pocono Mountain School District teachers who were recently let go. Paredes said,"I feel a little sad 'cause I really liked some of those teachers that were let go."

The district had to make major cutbacks because of financial troubles and decreased enrollment. When the school board approved its budget it didn't know how much money the state would contribute for next year. But now it has learned the state is giving about $2.4 million more than originally thought. Paredes reacted,"They should actually hire the teachers back."

Steve Rohner of Mount Pocono added,"They should definitely invest in better teaching, more teachers."

The district has already brought back some teachers but hasn't specified how many. Union representatives want them to hire more. Obed Aviles whose wife works in the area said,"That should be an important position that should always be taken care of so I would hope that that is where they invest the money."

Some people want the district to reopen schools that it shut down to save money. Shawn Prizzia of Swiftwater said,"The other schools are going to be over crowded, they are laying off too many teachers and how are they going to educate all these kids in one school?"

The district could also use the cash to reinstate programs that were cut or even save it for the future.

The board will decide at a public meeting 7 p.m. August 1^st in the Administration building.