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Jan 14, 2009 10:01 pm US/Central
Former DISD Teachers Face Possible Paycheck Issues
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Dana Stewart is one of hundreds of teachers laid off in October of 2008 by the Dallas Independent School District. Her final severance paycheck is scheduled to hit her bank Thursday morning.
Because of paycheck problems in the past, Stewart called DISD to make sure everything added up. Unfortunately, the former English teacher was dealt some fuzzy math.
"I've had enough with DISD. If it wasn't enough to be laid off four weeks into the job, now they're not doing what they' promised us," said Stewart.
Stewart was to receive a final payoff of $6,266. However she was told by the district to expect about $2,000.
Here's what happened: Stewart was in the process of being certified. The cost for that was to be subtracted from her monthly paycheck, stretching over a two-year period.
However, when Stewart was laid off, she was told the monthly payments would cease with her final paycheck. Instead, the district deducted $2,625 as a lump-sum to pay off the cost of her teacher's certificate.
The problem is Stewart can't be certified unless she's employed and teaching in the classroom.
DISD admits it made an error and says it will refund Stewart the money. District officials believe Stewart's paycheck problem is an isolated incident. However, the local teachers' union is not taking any chances and has issued a warning to all of its members.
"If teachers who have been laid off find out that these deductions have been taken out, they need to contact the district immediately," said Alliance AFT President Rena Honea.
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