Alabama Governor Deal looks to restore pre-k classes, saves teaching jobs

Alabama Governor Nathan Deal said he is now rethinking his
previous decision to cut the state’s pre-kindergarten program to
part-time hours. The move is expected to stem an exodus of public
school teachers from the system.

Earlier this year, 57 of 77 pre-k teachers in Fulton had quit
after the compressed schedule, which included 20 less days and
resulted in a salary cut, according to the Atlanta Journal
Constitution.

Erin Hames, deputy chief of staff for policy, told the news
agency the governor will now recommend the cost of reinstating the
full program be off-set by reducing the number of pre-openings.
Hames said the proposal will also result in a 4.4 percent pay raise
for teachers.

Meanwhile, officials in Iowa City, Iowa, have released a plan
that included $175,000 to hire more elementary teachers, according
to the Chicago Tribune.

Superintendent Steve Murley told the news agency the new
teachers must be certified, but will be hired as long-term
substitutes. Under the plan, the district will add approximately
eight educators for seven elementary schools by mid-January.

Murley said the plan will give the district more flexibility as
it looks at possibly increasing staffing levels for next
year.