WASHINGTON -- District public schools will fire almost 400 employees, including more than 200 teachers.
Officials announced Friday that 229 teachers will be among the 388 school employees on the chopping block. The cuts are blamed on a $40 million budget shortfall.
"This is a difficult time, and we're doing everything possible to provide support for our schools, to minimize any disruption and to ensure schools can focus on serving students," schools Chancellor Rhee said in a press release.
Schools have been expecting the cuts since they were announced earlier this month by Rhee, but Friday was the first time numbers were announced.
The Washington Teachers' Union president and the D.C. Council chairman say Rhee is being disingenuous about any budget crunch. Rhee has disputed that charge.
Affected employees were placed on paid administrative leave. Their employment officially ends Nov. 2.
