COMPTON : Teacher Layoff Notices Spark Angry Protest

Compton school officials have sent layoff notices to about 425 teachers in the financially troubled district, triggering an angry response from teachers.

The notices were handed out last month to teachers whose work assignments were temporary or who were on probation, said Christine Sanchez, a district spokeswoman.

Sanchez emphasized, however, that only a small percentage of those who received notices are likely to lose their jobs. Officials plan to lay off only 30 to 35 teachers next fall because of a drop in enrollment.

Enrollment this year fell by 1,000 students to 27,647, which cost the district about $2.5 million in state funds. Sanchez said the district expects enrollment to drop an additional 645 students during the coming year.

Members of the Compton Education Assn. said the notices have caused widespread discontent among teachers. Delegates of the organization’s state affiliate, the California Teachers Assn., voted recently to censure Jerome Harris, the state-appointed administrator who has headed the beleaguered district.