Woonsocket teachers to get pink slips

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - The Woonsocket School Committee voted 3-2 Wednesday night to send out layoff notices to all 600 teachers in the district.

The move would give the district more flexibility to handle anticipated budget cuts.

The Woonsocket Teachers Guild plans to challenge the plan. They're urging residents of the city to stand up for the teachers, saying that the termination notices would disrupt the quality of education for their children.

"While not all educators receiving notices would actually be let go, giving termination notices to all teachers and paraprofessionals sends the wrong message to the community about the city's commitment to public education," said Teachers Guild President Jeffrey Partington in a statement.

Rhode Island law requires all school districts to notify union employees of possible layoffs by March 1st.