Facing Budget Gap, Quincy To Lose Teachers

Education officials in Quincy are grappling with a $12 million budget shortfall that could result in as many as 100 teachers losing their jobs unless union workers accept a wage freeze.

According to Quincy mayoral spokesman Christopher Walker, the contracted raises make up $2.3 million of next year's deficit.

"(These are) contracted pay raises, increases in health care costs and some other increases quite frankly the city is not in a position in these times to be able to afford," Walker said.

Teachers union officials said that even with the wage freeze, some teachers will lose their jobs.

"We are going to lose some of our youngest and some of our newest educators in the city," said Paul Phillips, president of the Quincy Education Association.

The teachers union has until July 1 to agree on the wage freeze in time for the 2011 fiscal year.