Cutbacks hit hard in Muskogee School district

As Tulsa Schools work to solve its financial problems, Muskogee Public Schools has had to take drastic measures. <br><br>News on Six reporter Patrina Adger says the Muskogee School District laid off 43

Monday, November 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

As Tulsa Schools work to solve its financial problems, Muskogee Public Schools has had to take drastic measures.

News on Six reporter Patrina Adger says the Muskogee School District laid off 43 support staff last week. That includes 14 custodians, a half a dozen secretaries and clerks. All key rolls when it comes to operating the school.

Tony Goetz Elementary will lose one of its two custodial positions. Leonard Antwine says he found out he was laid off last week. This single father of four says this job is his only source of income and doesnâ€™t know what will happen next. "It's gonna hurt bad financially. I don't know how I'm gonna make it."

With Antwine leaving in December, the sole custodian will only work four hours a day.

Teachers say there will be days where they might have to pick up the slack of not having that extra custodian there to help out.