The recent months have been a sad time for many Massapequa teachers and staff members, as declining enrollment and the state’s new property tax cap have forced the district to eliminate thirty-five teaching positions as part of its proposed spending cuts for the 2013-2014 budget.
At Massapequa High School, a total of nine teachers were excessed. The science department was hit the hardest, losing four of its teachers. Additionally, the languages other than English (LOTE) department lost two of its teachers, while social studies, health, and physical education each lost one teacher.
Being excessed is different than being laid off, according to the New York State School Board Association.Those who are excessed are entitled to a period of seven years during which they hold the right of first refusal to reclaim their positions in the district if they once again become available. In the interim, these teachers are free to look for work elsewhere. District administration has advised the excessed teachers of their rights in an effort to help them move forward.
Though these teacher cuts benefit the district in a financial regard, it is necessary to consider the void that will be left by these teachers, whom Principal Dr. Barbara Williams describes as “exemplary.”
According to state law, excesses are primarily based on seniority. While the law protects teachers based on seniority, people have differing opinions.
“They need a better system of teacher cuts than seniority,” sophomore Kelly Flaherty said. “My chemistry lab teacher, who is one of the best science teachers I’ve had, is getting [excessed].”
“It is certainly debatable whether the seniority system is the best way to decide [who to excess], although it does have its merits,” junior Mike Novet said.
Others, such as AP Chemistry teacher Dr. Paul Hesleitner, argue that more information about the process as a whole should be made available to the public. “I think there needs to be more transparency,” he said. “People just want to know what’s happening and why, so they can answer their own questions.”
Dr. Hesleitner also expressed concern about how these cuts will affect class size.
“I’m just a little upset about how increase in certain class sizes will affect student learning,” he added. “When they say class size doesn’t change, they mean on average. To the individual student, however, there may be an impact for better or for worse.”
Other teachers agree. “Any time we lose faculty, it’s going to affect students. It’s a sad thing,” orchestra teacher Marjorie Spagnolo said. “I feel like the more teachers there are, the better it is for the learning process.”
Irrespective of the opinions that individuals may have on the matter, it is clear that these teachers will be sorely missed.