No layoffs?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination announced this week that there would be no huge slew of layoffs in three weeks, as there has been every two years (we’re on a two-year budget cycle). Two years ago denominational leaders laid off 75 of some 600 or so people who worked in the building (the "Presbyterian Center," pictured above (sans Peace Seeker the horse)). This was more than was laid off right before I arrived, four years ago, and was supposed to be the last of the big layoffs for a while. They have periodically laid small numbers of people off for the past two years. Only two positions (I think both essentially vacant.) will apparently be eliminated this time. Four years ago one of my would-be colleagues got laid off (and I wound up with one-third of her job), and two years ago our office narrowly averted having someone else – probably me – getting laid off. Denominational leaders cite some good financial news, which is very modest and seems to primarily involve the stabilizing of previous revenue declines. The denomination is prioritizing continuing to place international missionaries in the field – where we have substantially less than half out in the field than we did 25 years ago. We’ll see if they stick with their guns (and don’t do mass layoffs on May 1).

(Even without layoffs, they have saved a little money by corraling us into smaller space and have had for most of a year a whole huge wing of the floor - where the kitchen for office is - totally empty. The would-be tenant fell through and now they've gone on the open market soliciting a tenant. The building itself will become increasingly valuable as the area - even with the real estate slowdown - redevelops, and when the $500 million new indoor/basketball arena - across 2nd Street and the 2nd Street bridge - gets built (though we may lose our parking or pay more, especially during events).

Even if they do (stick with their guns), no such luck for the Greater Clark school system, a school system across the river in Southern Indiana and next to Stephanie’s school district. We mentioned earlier that this school district is ready to early retire or lay off about 70 teachers, which, as we mentioned, may undermine the bargaining position of the teachers’ union of which Stephanie is a member.