Last week, state lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state to
disburse federal funds to rehire laid-off teachers, hire new
employees or add days to the school calendar that had been cut to
balance the budget.
Last week, state lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state to disburse federal funds to rehire laid-off teachers, hire new employees or add days to the school calendar that had been cut to balance the budget.
In San Benito County, the Hollister School District is set to receive about $1 million, said district business director Jack Bachofer.
The district can spend the money this year or next, while 90 percent of the amount is available immediately, he said. He noted how the district, after examining enrollment, recently hired back four laid off teachers among about 70 for this school year. The extra funds might go toward curtailing further cuts, he said.
“Mainly, what we were trying to do was take a look at what our classes were at the start of the year,” he said.
“We had a lot of feedback from a lot of people it was unacceptably high.”
Stan Rose, superintendent of the high school district, could not be reached immediately to provide numbers for San Benito High.
Lupita Alcala, deputy superintendent at the California Department of Education, said the Education Jobs Fund money would be available within a few weeks after the governor signs the bill. She said districts can start planning now and can use the funds this school year or next.
“The most important part is they know what to expect,” Alcala said.
Look back for more.
