Last Tuesday night our school board met, and I felt it important to be there since we (all of the people in the district) knew that the announcement of which programs to cut would be made. I arrived early and chatted with some friends thinking even if they decide to cut librarians I would probably be safe. Well that all went out the window about halfway through the meeting. It was announced that 5 programs would be cut: art at the middle school, high school french, DAEP administration, libraries, and elementary GT. At this point my jaw hit the table I was sitting at and became furious. I was sitting with one of the other librarians and she burst into tears. I held it together long enough to hear they will rewrite the job description and higher 1 person to oversee the entire library program for the district which is 5 schools with 6 libraries (the middle school is kind of 2 campuses with 2 libraries). After hearing this, I got up and left the meeting in order to have a complete breakdown. I continued to cry the entire way home (about 1 hours drive) and most of the night until I fell asleep. Along the way I shared the info with my family and then had to give all the details when I got home. About 10:00 that night I received an email from my principal that he needed to meet with me first thing the next morning.
The next day at school was one of the worst because I was having the book fair in the library and a lot of the teachers kept stopping by to ask how I was doing. I tried to keep up a brave face but broke down several times throughout the day. After getting through the major rush of students during the morning, I went to meet with the principal. He proceeded to read the district prepared statement to me stating that because the program I work in was cut I would not be receiving a renewal contract this year. He then gave me my options which are to resign and possibly get the incentive money for resigning or receive a notice of non-renewal of my contract which could keep me from getting future jobs. He then went on to tell me that the district would be creating the 1 job of a district librarian for next year and he wants me to apply for it. He even suggested I research how to approach the job and be prepared to fit for the job when the interview process began. I told him I would apply and needed to think about the resignation. I went to my office had another good cry and called my mom to let her know. After about 2 hours I decided that resigning and having a chance at the incentive money (1% of my salary for the year) just for losing my job.
After filling out my paperwork at central administration I spoke with the superintendent for a few minutes and went back to campus to work for the rest of the day. This last week and a half has been an emotional roller coaster! After filling out the paperwork I began job hunting. I did it on school time just because I was depressed and quickly found out that there are NO POSITIONS anywhere!! I know the state is in financial trouble but this is getting ridiculous. How are the children in our schools going to get a quality education?
While it may seem that I am more upset about losing my job than anything (which I think anyone would be). I am more concerned with what the future leaders of our country will be like once the education system proceeds to make so many cuts when there is a fund here in Texas (the rainy day fund) that has money to keep this from happening.
But if anyone happens across a teaching or librarian position (anywhere it doesn't have to be in Texas) please pass the word along to me so I can check in to it. The one thing I can say is thank God I didn't purchase the house I was hoping to get or I would definitely be in a pickle!!
