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Students protest TVCC teacher layoffs

Students say the decision to lay off teachers is going to hurt their education at TVCC.

ONTARIO, Ore. - Students at Treasure Valley Community College protested at their campuses in Caldwell and Ontario Monday.

They want administrators to know they're upset with the college's recent decision to lay off faculty members to meet budget shortfalls.

Faculty members we spoke with today say seven people were laid off. TVCC told us in a statement a total of six faculty members have been laid off.

"The instructors who were subject to the reduction in force were selected either because there was sufficient coverage for the subject matters taught or there was a lack of students in the particular areas,” TVCC president Dana Young’s statement reads. “ No classes or programs will be eliminated as a result.”

The students we talked to say the decision to lay off those faculty members is going to hurt their education as well as have negative impacts on the community. And they believe that other steps could have been taken to save money.

“It’s kind of just madness for a college to get rid of that many teachers at once," said TVCC student Anjalique Leavitt.

TVCC has been struggling to meet budget shortfalls. Many believe that’s why the teachers were laid off, but they think there are other ways to handle that.

"They could have cut faculty salaries which are larger and they could have quit, they added administrators," said TVCC instructor Gerry Hampshire.

“The budget cuts I understand, but why get rid of good teachers that have passion and really care about their students,” said TVCC student Selina Gonzales.

Teachers like Sam Castonguay. He says it was a huge shock. Especially since just a few weeks ago he says he was recommended to be tenured.

"What's going to happen to my classes? What does this mean for my students? What about the Geology majors that are here?" said Castonguay.

Students hope the community and administrators will hear them and make a change.

“It's not fair, we've got teachers that we love, that teach, that care, and they're not letting them stay, and that's not fair,” said Gonzales.

"The College values its instructors," Young said in a statement. "But recognizes it must increase enrollment by exploring curriculum and programs that attract a broad range of students. We are proud of our students for speaking their minds at the rally today. Their input, insights, opinions and participation are to be commended. Students have been, and remain, the top priority at TVCC and their continued success remains our focus."

As for faculty member Sammy Castonguay, he will still be able to teach for the rest of the school year.

In the meantime, adjunct professors will take over instruction for classes whose teachers were laid off.

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