Duplin schools plan to shuffle teachers, staff
By Aaron Moore
Published in News on June 21, 2011 1:46 PM
Duplin County teachers and principals are getting new assignments -- a part of an effort to better meet the needs of students, school officials said.
The process, part of Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan's Strategic Staffing Initiative, involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of individual schools and assigning new staff to areas where they can help.
"What we're trying to see here is how we can serve all our children in every school system," Obasohan said. "I strongly believe that doing this will definitely help improve our schools."
Obasohan said he has compiled a 90-day report full of input from teachers, principals and students, which will help him and other officials decide how best to shuffle schools' staffing.
"By talking to the principals, we know that the schools have different needs," he said.
Obasohan and a cabinet comprised of principals, Central Office directors and other administrators will continue to address those needs over the summer and recommend reassignments to the Board of Education accordingly.
Board member Chuck Farrior said the reassignments are something the county has needed for a while.
"We have less resources than we've ever had," he said. "We can move folks around and maximize their potential."
And with fewer resources, the initiative also cut three assistant principal positions.
Obasohan said all current assistant principals must reapply for their jobs this summer. Those who don't make the cut will be welcome to return as teachers.
"The best way ... is to have a process that is fair and transparent," Obasohan said.
But officials said cuts weren't as bad as they could have been.
The Board voted Friday to reinstate 149 of 200 employees who lost their jobs to budget cuts. Board members said cuts in the state budget weren't as deep as they anticipated.
Obasohan said all new staffing positions will be decided by mid-July to give teachers and administrators time to adjust to their new schools.