Good news and bad in staffing shuffle

Vernon — Some teachers slated for layoff are breathing a sign of relief. Recently, Vernon’s school board got notice that 21 additional teachers and staff members will be retiring at the end of this school year. That translates into nine positions that can be saved, in at least some part, according to District Superintendent Dr. John Alfieri. This didn’t stop the formalization of some bad news. The board approved the reduction of 14 positions, including a three-fifths nurse position and all of the high school campus monitoring positions. At the same time, they created 19 positions, eight of which are part-time posts. Among the various positions created are three reading specialists, a computer technician and six coordinating custodians, all of which are stipend-only jobs. The shifting and creation of positions has yet to be completed. The board meets next on May 20 at the Lounsberry Hollow Middle School.