Final toll for Salem schools is 33 layoffs

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wpri.com/Global/story.asp?S=7813060&nav=menu20_3

Associated Press - February 2, 2008 3:14 PM ET

SALEM, Mass. (AP) - Thirty-three workers at the Salem public schools have been laid off, but the toll was much lower than it could have been.

Nearly 60 school employees were set to be laid off after a mid-year deficit caused by questionable bookkeeping.

But Governor Deval Patrick signed special legislation that saved the jobs of 2 dozen teachers and library aides.

The laid off workers included teachers' aides, custodians and secretaries.

Salem Teachers Union President Joyce Harrington said Friday was a bittersweet day because of sadness for those who lost jobs, but relief over the jobs that were saved.

State and Salem officials blame the former school business manager for mismanaging the finances and covering it up.

[Selatius]

1. I lived in Salem prior to 1995. I went to their public schools as a kid.

I switched around a lot and went to Horace Mann Elementary and Carlton Elementary. Life was a lot simpler as a child back then. I wonder if any of the teachers who got laid off taught me over 13 years ago.