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Hillsborough County School District looking to cut $130 million, teachers worried about jobs

Posted at 6:42 AM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-24 10:25:49-04

With a hiring freeze already in place, some Hillsborough County teachers fear their jobs are hanging in the balance as well.

The Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association has a meeting planned for 5 p.m. on Monday to discuss teacher concerns.

Parents may be concerned as well. District Superintendent Jeff Eakins released a message on YouTube in hopes of reassuring parents and the public that education will not be affected by any potential cuts.

"We have to make sure that the very best teachers are in front of our students every single day, and then we have to take a look at all the other employees," said Eakins in the video message.

The school district hired an outside consultant who recommended that hiring freeze which could save the district up to $10-million dollars. The Superintendent maintains any moves being made are to put students first.

The teaching force has about 140 teaching vacancies. Administrators report that some of those positions will be filled by those already employed by the district.

Administrators say they're trying to save $130 million this year in its general fund.

The district has already cut dozens of secretarial jobs and plans to cut back on busing for students. The teachers association fears teachers could be next.