Gore School Superintendent Keith Kincade wrote a letter of recommendation, which would dismiss Karri Altrogge, Brad Pack, Dusty Tidwell, and Chris McMullen.
A hearing to determine whether Kincade’s recommendation will be accepted is scheduled at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at Gore High School cafeteria located on 1200 Northway 10.
Amanda Clifton, board member, recommended a copy of the superintendent’s recommendation be mailed to each of the teachers and administrator along with a notice letter advising them of their rights.
Gore Public Schools has been in a financial crisis since the state aid has been decreased. The school’s budget is also less because of an ongoing lawsuit related to Sequoyah Fuels. Since 1995 Sequoyah Fuels has contested its ad valorem taxes, based on the allegation that the plant and its property are contaminated by the uranium processing that took place there since the 1970s. County officials argue in the litigation filed by Sequoyah Fuels that the plant owners still owe the assessed amount, and earlier this month District Judge Jeff Payton ruled in favor of the county. But Sequoyah Fuels attorney Rebecca Fowler of Tulsa said she will appeal the decision, which will again delay the payment of the school’s ad valorem taxes from Sequoyah Fuels.
Trica Yates, Sequoyah County clerk, said the ad valorem taxes paid by Sequoyah Fuels since 1995 (and which are those assessed by the county assessor) total about $2.5 million and remain in an escrow account until the lawsuit is settled.
Kincade said he has been preparing staff since August for possible layoffs. He recently had to let go 10 support staff and two teachers.
Kincade said the school has cut back in monthly expenses by going to a four-day school week, cut staff and is spending zero.
“We will have to keep cutting staff since 80 to 90 percent of our costs are in labor,” Kincade said.
