I Hate Pink in March!

Four pink slips in five years! I had the extreme misfortune of moving to my current district five years ago when California's budget crises began. This year my district is anticipating a $23 million shortfall and has decided to eliminate 120 positions, 86 of them from K-5 (elementary)!

Because the state of California has a law that says teachers who may not have a job for the next year must be notified by March 15th, the district decided to issue pink slips to 180+ teachers. They have until May 15th to rescind the notices or make the lay off official. I personally think it is time the state of California rethink this law as it causes undue emotional turmoil on thousands of teachers and counselors every year!

The process is based on seniority and specific types of positions to be eliminated. Even though there are 8 other high school teachers in my subject with less seniority, the district over issues pink slips in case a teacher with more seniority than me holds a credential to teach my subject. In that case, they would "bump" me out of my position. Seniority is based on the hire date and a point system that includes credentials held, number of years teaching and special certifications.

It really is a stressful, crazy process and I wish they would figure out how to make it smoother and more transparent. Those who have never been in my position cannot understand the emotional turmoil of having to wait two months in limbo wondering if you make the cut to keep your job. And so the roller coaster begins for yet another year.