TYLER, Texas — Cumberland Academy in Tyler revealed Thursday that school officials laid off 50 employees out of just over 300 positions due to a $2 million budget shortfall.
This means the school let go of a sixth of its workforce to help the school's financial stability and future.
In a media statement, Superintendent Charles Pulliam said all staff members are receiving a severance package offer. They are also eligible for rehire and Cumberland Academy is providing transition assistance through this time.
Jennifer Blake, a mother of three children who attend Cumberland Academy, said the impact of the layoffs is being felt across the entire community.
"Basically, it's money to say, 'hey, you can't talk. If you talk, you don't get it, and if you do, we could come after you,'" Blake said of the severance packages.
She added the $2,000 package is nowhere near the amount of money a teacher should be given as a severance package.
Pulliam said the leadership made strategic budget adjustments because like most public schools in Texas, Cumberland Academy is operating on 2019 funding levels despite significant inflation, cost escalations and the end of federal relief funding.
"In addition, post-pandemic student enrollment and student attendance continues to be lower. Cumberland Academy is no exception to these impacts," Pulliam said.
According to Pulliam's statement, the measures to compensate for the shortfall included reassignments, consolidations, staff reductions and a modest salary adjustment for all staff members.
"These steps balance immediate financial needs with our commitment to maintaining high-quality education for our students," the statement read.
A parent, who wishes to be anonymous, said she doesn't like the constant changing of teachers and budget cuts as well as a lack of transparency.
"I don't know the stuff goes on. It makes me feel like there's a lot of trust that's not happening between us, the school and the parents and myself. It does make me want to consider other schools," the parent said.
Pulliam added that Cumberland Academy is a nonprofit and anyone interested in making a tax deductible donation to the school can reach out to bgreen@cumberlandacademy.com for more information.
Pulliam said the school is still enrolling students and there are seats available in middle school and high school.
The Cumberland Academy's full 2024-2025 budget can be found here.
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