Tagged: layoffs

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services began sending out layoff notices Friday as it tries to cut 375 jobs without weakening its ability to protect children.

The department has to absorb an $86 million budget cut.

Director Richard Calica said in a letter to staff that the agency must focus its remaining resources on core responsibilities required by law.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports the agency will have to reduce programs aimed at preventing abuse and neglect.

The Missouri Senate has given first-round approval to legislation that would double the amount of time required for public school teachers to earn tenure.

Currently, a teacher has to work in the same school district for five years to earn tenure.  The bill sponsored by State Senator Jane Cunningham (R, Chesterfield) would expand that requirement to 10 years.

“As long as the teacher does not own their job, if you will, then they’re going to be really working to prove (themselves) and do a good job," Cunningham said.  "It gives us five more years of encouraging and giving motivation to teachers to really produce.”

Gateway Arch project may not be finished by anniversary

The 50th anniversary of the Gateway Arch is three years away, but the project to improve and expand the grounds by then may not be finished on time.

Walter Metcalfe, director of the CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation, which is leading the effort, says it's more important to get it right than to get it done in time for the anniversary.