Gilbert Public Schools asking dozens of laid off teachers to come back
Some teachers choosing not to return to Gilbert Public Schools after recent layoffs.
and last updated 2021-05-19 01:28:28-04
GILBERT, AZ â The Gilbert Public School District is asking dozens of laid off teachers to come back to work.
Andrea Becker says she s already found a job in another district and not by choice. I don t want to keep moving around. You build relationships with your peers and your children, and I don t like leaving my kids, says Becker, a special education teacher.
Back in March, around 150 teachers received a reduction in force (RIF) notice. The district cited it was due to a large drop in student enrollment but just two months later things have changed.
Noa Marcela Bailey was a mother and friend, and she was motivated.
“Noa was filled with life and energy. She was motivated to wake up and live every day to the fullest,” said Susan Vie, Noa’s best friend and self-proclaimed kindred spirit.
Noa and Susan would hike together on the weekends and then walk to their neighborhood Starbucks where they would “just talk for hours on end.”
Every day, Noa would go for a hike and take a photo of the sunset.
Noa was compassionate, determined, optimistic and a warrior, Susan said.
She was known for giving others a boost, telling them, “You are unique, you are special, you are chosen; You aren t gold, you aren t silver; You are magic, you are dust,” Susan said.