WINDSOR – Bertie County Schools began the process of eliminating as many as 22 jobs here Wednesday.

The Bertie County Board of Education took their first action on the Reduction in Force policy adopted recently by addressing classified positions within the district.

Classified positions are all those who are not certified teachers or administrators.

The Bertie School Board unanimously approved the recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debbie Harris-Rollins to make staff cuts and reduce hours for other personnel. The vote was 3-0 on a motion from board member Alton Parker. Board Chair Gloria Lee had to leave the meeting before the vote and board member Rickey Freeman was absent due to the death of his mother. Board Vice Chair Pamela Chamblee and board member Emma Johnson voted in favor of Parker’s motion.

The result of Wednesday’s vote was the elimination of four teacher assistant positions. Those positions will be spread out through the entire district, according to Dr. Harris-Rollins.

In addition, all remaining teacher assistant positions will be reduced. Exceptional Children and More at Four assistants will be cut to nine months and work on student days only. All other teacher assistants will be reduced to 30 hours per week, though their benefits will be preserved.

Custodians will also be affected by the Reduction in Force Policy as they will be cut to 35 hours each week. Their benefits will be preserved as well.

Counselors will also have their months of employment reduced by one.

The cuts were made by the school district as part of their preparation for major cuts in the public education budget from the State of North Carolina.

The school board will also have to look at eliminating various certified positions including teachers and administrators. Decisions on that portion of the policy are expected in the next few weeks.