February 23rd, 2010
Hays CISD reorganizes, cuts nine high-level jobs

STAFF REPORT

The Hays CISD is reorganizing its central office with a net result of nine high-level instruction coordinator positions being eliminated.

The Hays CISD Board of Trustees declared the need for the district program change Monday. The reorganization, which is expected to save $325,000 to $350,000 per year, will take effect on July 1.

Hays CISD Superintendent Jeremy Lyon said the reorganization will simplify communication within the school district and emphasize teacher support.

“This action is the most strategic, effective way of aligning support and resources for our classroom teachers,” Lyon said. “We have talented educators at every level and we are striving to create systems of accountability directly linked to day-to-day teaching and learning.”

The reorganization includes the elimination of nine coordinator positions (elementary and secondary math, elementary and secondary science, social studies, English/language arts, dyslexia/504 and career and technology education), one executive director position (curriculum and instruction) and two director positions (secondary academic services and elementary academic services) in the Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) Division.

The duties for those positions will be incorporated into the existing campus-based instructional strategist positions. Additionally, three new executive director positions will provide direct support for specific campuses, organized by grade-levels (high school, middle school and elementary school).

The action also eliminates the position of assistant superintendent of Information, Communication and Student Services. Julie Jerome, who is currently the assistant superintendent, will become the district’s public information officer and the departments in that division — technology, safety and student services and student health services — will be absorbed in the remaining three divisions.

“Communication is a critical component of the operation of every school district,” Lyon said. “As with the changes in C&I, this action effectively, strategically aligns our resources with the constantly changing demands of school communication.”