Anderson, Ind. - UPDATE: Teachers in the Anderson School Corporation knew the cuts were coming but it's still a big blow.
Mark Majeski is a first year fourth grade teacher at 29th Street Elementary School. He decided to give up his business career of 20 years so he could teach children. His dream has stopped short, after the district decided to cut him.
"Most people get into education to make a difference in children's lives. So it's disappointing to not have that opportunity," said Majeski.
And while teachers worry about their future, there's more concern about the bigger picture. How will the teacher cuts impact education?
The district said they're releasing 36% of its English teachers, 25% of its science teachers, plus 12% of the Math teachers won't be back in the classrooms.
"I think the resources are going to be stretched a lot thinner," said Principal Rebecca Bolanos.
One of the biggest impacts will be class size. Right now, there are about 16 students in a classroom. That number will grow to as many as 28.
"We have a lot of concern for the students who are obviously going to be impacted with larger classrooms and maybe not as much as attention as they deserve," said Majeski.
"Meeting not only their academic needs, but giving them what they need developmentally emotionally is going to be a challenge next year," said Bolanos.
The superintendent has a different opinion. He believes class size won't make a difference.
"Quality is not always negative just because we do cut," said Anderson Schools Superintendent Felix Chow.
Teachers aren't convinced though. They fear test scores could drop if parents don't help them out. Back in Mr. Majeski's classroom, he's hoping for the best and a new teaching job.
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Anderson schools let go 165 teachers during a special board meeting Tuesday night.
School officials blame the economy and other job loss in Anderson. These layoffs will take effect in June at the end of the school year.
The board said there's a chance some teachers could be called back to work, depending on the needs in certain areas, such as special education.
