By By Staff reports
At least four teachers at Escambia County High School will not be back to teach next school year.
Earlier in the month, they were informed by Principal Jerry Smith that their contracts with the school system would not be renewed.
One teacher who spoke to the Atmore Advance said he was not told why his contract was not being renewed, and he didn't believe any other teachers were told the reasons for being let go either.
Some concerned citizens contacted the Atmore Advance worried that school programs might be cut next year.
Smith said nothing could be further from the truth. "If anything, we believe we'll be adding classes next year, but nothing's been approved by the school board yet," Smith said.
All of the teachers released from their contracts were nearing tenure with the school system. According to state education regulations, a teacher must serve for three consecutive years and be asked back for a fourth year.
Once teachers receive tenure in a school system, it can become much more difficult to dismiss them.
Smith said the process was part of the "normal process" for non-tenured teachers in the school system.