CHS BOE makes more faculty cuts

<span>As has been the case for the past few years, March is the toughest month for the Chester District 139 Board of Education.</span>

<span>The board made more faculty cuts on Thursday, voting to dismiss Chester High School English teacher Mike Springston and Chester Grade School sixth grade math/science teacher Joe Kassebaum.</span>

<span>The cuts are effective at the end of the current school year.</span>

<span>Another teacher on the block was CHS biology teacher Zach Jones - who is in his first year of teaching in the district - but his job was saved when the board accepted the resignation of CHS science teacher Brian Lin.</span>

<span>Chester Education Association President Steve Colonel was one of several people who spoke out against the cuts during the public comment portion of Thursday's meeting.</span>

<span>Calling the cuts "potentially disastrous," Colonel said the results of such action would mean larger class sizes and less options for students in their education.</span>

<span>"Their absence will continue to be felt for years," he said, referring to the teachers at stake.</span>

<span>In June 2015, it was announced that six teaching positions (four at CHS and two at CGS) could be cut as the district adhered to the guidelines of a deficit reduction plan required by the Illinois State Board of Education.</span>

<span>"It has always been my goal to do the best that I can in my role," said Sara Hammel, whose resignation as National Honor Society co-advisor and CHS Student Council co-sponsor was approved during the meeting. "My best may only be keeping my head above water."</span>

<span>Hammel said her resignations were due to the anticipated increased workload as a result of the cuts.</span>

<span>A third speaker, CHS sophomore Elizabeth Eubanks, presented the board with a letter of reconsideration regarding Jones.</span>

<span>Stating that she was "deeply saddened" by the board's choice, Eubanks said she would like to see Jones "live out his dream" of expanding the science department at CHS.</span>

<span>Lastly, Lin addressed his decision to resign, stating that it was a combination of family matters and budget cuts.</span>

<span>"It was not an easy decision and I thank everyone for what they have done," he said.</span>

<span>The staff reduction wasn't the only issue raised during public comment. Colonel also questioned why the CEA - which represents the district's teachers - was not included in closed session discussions about the class schedule prior to announcing the change to a traditional, seven-period model.</span>

<span>CHS has been using an A-B day block schedule for several years.</span>

<span>"I expect any future discussions to be taking place at the bargaining table," Colonel said.</span>

<span>Springston told the Herald Tribune last week that staff were notified of the schedule change on Feb. 19, the day after the board's regular February meeting.</span>

<span>Students were told on March 7.</span>

There was not an agenda item listed on the board's February agenda to discuss class scheduling, nor were votes made during open session on the topic.