Size of ATR pool comparable to last year

Despite five consecutive years of school budget cuts, the total number of teachers in excess rose only slightly this year.

Principals faced with budget cuts averaging 2.4 percent in this latest round of cuts complained they had trimmed to the bone. As a result of principals’ decisions, school closures and enrollment changes, 2,186 teachers lost full-time assignments in June.

Fortunately the number of teachers without assignments was sharply and quickly reduced by a 23 percent jump in retirements — 425 more teachers retired this summer than last — opening an unexpected number of vacancies. Eight DOE recruitment fairs over the summer also helped many excessed teachers find assignments. Others left for jobs elsewhere.

As of Aug. 19, there were 1,940 teachers in the Absent Teacher Reserve pool, compared to 1,779 teachers in the pool at the same time last year.

Teachers who are unable to find permanent placements by the start of classes become part of the ATR pool.

The union agreement with the city that averted the layoffs of 4,200 educators in June also clarifies and changes how teachers in the ATR pool can be deployed, giving them a clear pathway to a permanent placement. Now every long-term absence or leave must be filled by an ATR. ATRs will also be sent on a provisional basis to fill vacancies remaining after Sept. 15. At the end of the year, assignments will become permanent if both the ATR and the principal agree that it is a good fit. ATRs remaining in the pool will work as day-to-day substitutes for a minimum of one week at a time in schools in their home districts.