Blaming slumping economy, Salem State announces 7 percent workforce reduction

SALEM – The slumping economy is continuing to take a toll on education as Salem State College announced Monday a restructuring of the college’s strategic plan that will result in an immediate 7 percent workforce reduction.President Patricia Maguire Meservey announced Monday that a proposal is being submitted to the Board of Trustees which regulates Salem State’s organizational structure to “meet the changing needs of the institution.” This means a restructuring of programs and departments and the immediate layoff of at least 25 employees.The board will vote on the proposal June 3 and full details of the restructuring will not be available until after the plan is approved, but the college said Monday the layoffs are effective immediately.By changing the structure, the college will cut 10 AFSCME union employees and 15 administrative employees. In addition, Meservey will not fill 35 already vacant positions next year.The college did not say which positions were cut.All of the personnel reductions will represent a 7 percent cut in the college’s workforce from this time last year. By the end of the day Monday, all individuals who hold one of the effected jobs were notified of the layoffs.The move will ultimately result in the reorganization of several departments within the college where some staff members will be reassigned. Others will have their job responsibilities modified to address the goals of the college.In a time when most public school departments have been forced into layoffs, public colleges and universities have not escaped the funding crunch. During the past several months, Salem State College has been actively reviewing its operations to address the demands of its future needs as envisioned by its strategic plan. Part of this includes responding to changes in the current economic climate as uncertainty surrounding state funding continues.The college’s current plan, which runs through 2014, has five main goals centered around the college’s vision, mission and values.The goals focus on academics, student success and support, sufficient resources and facilities, community involvement and civic engagement and positioning of the college and external communication.The layoffs Monday come just two days after the college’s undergraduate commencement ceremony and the same week that some students began taking summer classes.