State Plans to Eliminate All 18 Teaching Jobs at Northern Center

A state agency has announced plans to eliminate educational programming and lay off all 18 teachers at the Northern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Chippewa Falls.

The decision is short-sighted and deprives developmentally disabled people of learning opportunities, according to a union spokesperson.

"The Department of Health and Family Services has decided these individuals cannot benefit from and are not entitled to educational services," State Professional Education and Information Council Director Mike Moore said. "Individuals who are not developmentally disabled have access to educational services in their communities, while center residents' only educational opportunities are at the facility. Evidently, the department views the residents of the Northern Wisconsin Center as second-class citizens."

The State Professional Education and Information Council is also known as WEAC Council #1. About 18 WEAC members will lose their jobs under the agency's plan.

In announcing the layoffs, department officials cited a budget shortfall and a lack of mandates to provide educational services. Teachers were given until November 29 to find new jobs.

"We can't believe the Thompson administration condones this type of action," Moore said. "We call on the governor and Legislature to reverse the decision and make alternative plans to deal with the budget shortfall."

The center's educational programs are designed by the teachers to ensure residents' successful transition to the community. Without the educational programs, Moore said, residents may not be as well prepared to relocate to the community setting.

The Legislative Council Committee on the Developmentally Disabled is holding hearings in Sturtevant on Friday, October 10, and in Eau Claire on Monday, October 13.

"We expect the committee will hear from many concerned parents and others about this important new development," Moore said. "Center residents are the ultimate losers in the state government's attempts to save a few dollars in the short run."

Posted October 10, 1997