I know a lot of teachers who were laid off today, and many will be leaving the state for jobs that offer retirement benefits (there is no longer a pension for teachers in ASD) and job security. Half of the 8th grade staff at a large Mountain View middle school was laid off... the teachers who took on a challenge and cared for the students are now gone and will be replaced by those who have less experience and less knowledge of the students lives and cultures. It costs ASD quite a bit of money to find, hire, and train new teachers... money that is being wasted this year. Treat teachers like disposable workers and that is all who will be left to do the job in AK... Educators in other states are not on the chopping block each year. Respect gets respect.