The announcement last week by Interim CEO Peter Raskind of proposed layoffs hit home today, as more than 700 Cleveland Teachers Union members were informed that their names were on those lay off lists.

The announcement last week by Interim CEO Peter Raskind of proposed layoffs hit home today, as more than 700 Cleveland Teachers Union members were informed that their names were on those lay off lists.

“We have been bracing for layoffs for a while but nonetheless they are devastating, not just to the members who are affected but to the school community as a whole,” said Cleveland Teacher Union President David J. Quolke.

The layoff list goes deep into the pool of union members and includes 650 teachers, in addition to paraprofessionals, nurses and guidance counselors. This year’s lay off list, unlike the proposed layoffs last year, even goes into the area of special education.

Last year, the district was able to call back most of the laid Cleveland Teachers Union members due to $17 million in concessions agreed to by the union. That was when the district faced a $20 million deficit. This year, according to the district’s 5-year financial forecast, the deficit is $47 million. The layoffs, which do not affect central office personnel, will give the district a surplus for the two years.

“Like Governor Kasich’s proposed budget, the Cleveland school district has chosen to balance its budget on the backs of those who are in the classroom every day,” Quolke said. “This is a sad day for the students of Cleveland and their educators.”