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Hundreds of Teachers Lose Jobs Before School Year
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Illinois State Board of Education is reporting school districts are employing 2,600 fewer teachers.

The decline may be part of the reason fewer school districts are in serious financial trouble in the current school year.

According to data released by the board, 32 school districts made the ``financial watchlist'' this school year, down from 39 districts last school year.

Board spokeswoman Mary Fergus says the improved financial footing came through some "painful decisions" by districts. She says there have been numerous reductions
in force across the state, with districts also cutting programs such as music and art.

A board survey shows that 66 percent of districts report laying off teachers going into the current school year. That compares to only 49 percent the year before.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
03 18 11 by Newsroom
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