Updated at: 11/19/2009 10:14 AM
By: Katie Nordeen
Knordeen@wdio.com
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Temporarily Closing Denfeld
Most of Duluth's certified high school and middle school teachers would have to reapply for their jobs in the Spring, if the school board votes to close Denfeld High School next school year for remodeling under the Red Plan.
According to Frank Wanner, with the Duluth Federation of Teachers, this affects about 300 of the district's 800 certified teachers. The parameters of "The Big Fill," were agreed upon during during the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the district.
Both the district and the union agrees this is a way to keep things fair during the transitioning process from three high schools and middle schools, to two of each.
Administration recommended closing Denfeld for the 2010-2011 school year and sending those students instead to Central, primarily as a way to save money. The district has already started crunching numbers for 2011 fiscal year, and is projecting a $4.5 million deficit.
Most board members have said they support closing Denfeld during construction. both the union and the district has expressed interest sending the matter to a vote sooner than later. Administration says they hope to bring it before the board during the December meeting.
