Jun 9, 2011 By Carla Destefano 2 min read

?The $1 billion proposed state budget cuts in education has forced administrators of Albert Gallatin School District to send about 100 letters to teachers notifying them of possible furloughs, said school officials.

Superintendent Carl Bezjak said according to contract, teachers must be notified in advanced if furloughs are being considered, but the letters do not indicate that any positions have been lost at this time.

“But the letter alone raises anxiety and it’s unfair to people,” Bezjak said. “It’s unfair to all the districts to have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best because you are dealing with human beings here. I find it extremely heart-wrenching to have notify my staff of this. I hired these people. I shook their hands and smiled. And now I have to retract it through this ugly process.”

The school board voted during the May meeting to approve the notification of teacher furloughs. The district faces a loss of state funding of more than $3,650,000 if Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget passes as proposed.

Bezjak said school districts must pass a final budget without knowledge of what the state will provide, forcing administrators to be prepared to furlough if needed.

“We are trying to protect the district and not be shortchanged when it comes to education for the students,” he said. “This is an unfortunate process in my career. I am good with many things, but this is the toughest thing I have ever had to deal with.”

Bezjak said a list of proposed cuts will be presented to board members during the district’s work session set for June 20. The board will then vote on a final budget June 22. Bezjak also noted that furloughs, if needed, will be carried out by June 30.

“We are looking everywhere we can to make sure these furloughs won’t happen,” he said. “We looked everywhere for cost savings without jeopardizing safety and other important means to run a district. We are drawing blood from everywhere to save a position.”