Charlotte schools issue 739 layoff notices

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district
has sent layoff notices to more than 700 employees.

The Charlotte Observer reported the district is sending layoff
letters to 739 teachers, counselors, librarians and others.

Nearly 340 other workers have been told they will be reassigned
for the school year that begins in August.

School spokeswoman LaTarzia Henry says the district hopes to be
able to offer jobs to some of the workers before the school year
begins.

But Henry says dozens of tenured teachers with good performance
ratings will see their current jobs disappear, and the district
currently has nothing to offer them. She blames budget uncertainty
and plans to close some schools.

This is the third year Charlotte teachers have faced layoffs,
often followed by recalls as the budget becomes clearer.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)