Northampton Schools reduce staff
Published Thursday, July 9, 2009
JACKSON — Northampton County Schools has made a reduction in its force, but the school system is reaching out to those employees who now find themselves without a job.
On Tuesday, various agencies and organizations gave presentations to around 15 former Northampton County Schools employees.
Representatives from the Employment Security Commission, Halifax/Northampton JobLink, Department of Social Services, Turning Point Workforce Development, Halifax Community College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College spoke to the displaced workers about financial assistance programs as well as higher education classes that could open up another career path.
“We wanted to let them know what services are available immediately and what is available in moving forward,” said Northampton County Schools Assistant Superintendent Phil Matthews.
The idea for the briefing for employees was the idea of Schools Finance Officer Joe Holloway, said Matthews.
According to Matthews, approximately 25 employees were affected by the cuts. In addition, some full time workers were demoted to part time.
Roughly, half of the employees that were cut were part time workers.
Matthews said most of the now displaced workers were classified employees, including custodians, food service workers, secretaries and teacher assistants.
The layoffs are a result of state funding cutbacks, which also was influential in the closure of Rich Square W.S. Creecy Elementary School, Garysburg Elementary School and the Alternative School.
Matthews said many of the teachers from the closed schools have been reassigned.
“We don’t anticipate anymore (cutbacks), but the legislators haven’t gone home either,” Matthews said, referencing the fact that the new state budget has yet to be finalized.
Tommy McKnight with the Employment Security Commission and Halifax/ Northampton JobLink Center spoke to the former employees about how to apply for unemployment benefits and DSS staff members talked about the Work First Program, the Emergency Assistance Program and Food and Nutrition Services.
Turning Point Workforce Development presented on dislocated worker programs and training programs.
Halifax Community College representatives presented about JobsNOW, courses that are available through stimulus funding, Small Business classes and Career Readiness Certificates. Roanoke-Chowan Community College representatives gave a briefing about GATE (Growing America Through Entrepenuars) and workforce development.
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