Financial crisis for Crosby ISD means reduction of 129 jobs

CROSBY, Texas (FOX 26) - Educators in Crosby no doubt spent their day on edge, concerned if they will be the ones to lose their jobs. 

The Crosby Independent School District superintendent announced on Tuesday that dozens of employees are being let go and more job reductions are coming. Throughout Crosby, residents are talking about the shocking financial state of the district and they are very aware that they haven’t heard the last of the layoffs.

Almost everyone going into Ruby’s Barbershop in Crosby is talking about the school district's dire announcement that it is in a financial crisis and owes more than $5.5 million. 

“I think it’s horrible," says Crosby resident Rocky Landers. "If I win the lottery, I’m going to bail them out.”

Barber Emily Dunston is getting an earful. 

"A lot of the people are coming in, just talking about the trickle down effect will be the children," describes Dunston. "The kids are going to be the ones to suffer. They’re saying shame on those adults for doing that. It all boils down to what these kids are going to get for an education and it’ll all trickle down in the community eventually.”

The Crosby ISD board approved laying off 33 employees. Superintendent Scott Davis later announced in a statement that 129 total employees would no longer be working with the district. Of that amount, 34 of the employees were classified as voluntary resignations and retirements.

The district is working to come up with money to pay for previous construction expenses.

"It’s just sad to see," says a woman who was picking up her grandchildren from an elementary school campus. "It’s shocking. There are a lot of people I know who work for this district. My sons graduated in Crosby ISD."

"I’ve lived here for a long time and I just don’t know what happened,” adds Landers. Crosby ISD workers who are laid off will lose their jobs just before Christmas. They will be allowed to work through Dec. 20.