GLOUSTER, Ohio — The Trimble Local Board of Education agreed to cut four teaching positions at a special meeting on Thursday, June 5.
The board unanimously voted to eliminate the following Trimble Local Teachers Association jobs effective June 30:
- One middle school teaching position.
- One physical education position.
- One high school teaching position.
- One preschool position.
The board had voted against cutting the same four positions — plus a kindergarten teacher — at a previous board meeting.
The district has eliminated a total of 15 teaching positions, five administrative positions and 14 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees #1351 positions. The cuts are effective June 30.
“I am beyond happy that the kindergarten position was spared as it was a necessary step,” TLTA President Rexford Millhone said in an email. “There is now an open 1st grade position that will be causing some scuttle. I am pushing for the call back of a 20+ year teacher that has been cut, but the outgoing assistant principal may be hired as she has a continuing contract. It’s very confusing.”
Millhone added, “I hope to be able to call back a couple more [teachers] that have been cut.” He also expressed that he wished the cuts had been finalized earlier, “so I am happy we got it complete.” He also expressed concern for the district’s debt, which is estimated to increase in the coming years.
The board on June 5 also unanimously approved two rehires and approved four supplemental contracts for sports coaches.
During an executive session, the board also interviewed Felicia Shover, David Runkle, Susan Shafer and Carl Fouts for an open board seat. Former board member Dave Owen resigned May 13. The district accepted letters of interest for the open seat through May 22.
The board meets the third Thursday of each month. Due to Juneteenth, the next Trimble Local Board of Education meeting will be held Wednesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. at Trimble High School, 1 Tomcat Drive, Glouster.
Note: This article has been updated since initial publication to include comment from the TLTA president.
Correction: A previous version of this article referred to Carl Fouts as “Carl Stouts.” It has been corrected and we apologize for this error.
