The Manitowoc School District is set to implement significant staffing changes for the upcoming school year, aiming for greater efficiency while ensuring no current employees will face layoffs. During the recent Personnel & Policy Committee meeting, district officials discussed the need to adjust staffing assignments due to declining enrollment and the necessity for some specialists to travel between schools.

The committee highlighted that while the program structure remains unchanged, the reassignment of staff is essential for fiscal efficiency. Superintendent Mike noted that the district has seen a reduction in the number of traveling teachers over the years, but some specialists will still need to move between buildings to meet the varying needs of students across the district. This shift is expected to save the district over a million dollars, a crucial step given the current low supply of teachers and the competitive landscape for hiring.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of these changes on staff retention, particularly regarding the preference for full-time positions in a single location. However, Superintendent Mike reassured that no staff members have indicated they would resign due to the new travel requirements.

The meeting also touched on the staffing situation at Lincoln High School, where a reduction of six full-time equivalent positions is anticipated. This includes cuts in physical education, social studies, world languages, science, and English language arts. The district is currently assessing the situation, with the possibility of some layoffs depending on future resignations.

As the district navigates these changes, officials are also considering strategies to combat declining enrollment, such as potentially introducing a three-year-old kindergarten program to attract families back to public schooling. The committee's discussions reflect a proactive approach to maintaining educational quality while managing resources effectively in a challenging environment.