Wow... That would have been ME!

D.C. Lays Off 229 Teachers to Help Close Budget Gap

Move Is Biggest Blow to District Educators Since December 2003

By Bill Turque and Emma Brown

Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, October 2, 2009; 6:04 PM

The District laid off 229 public school teachers Friday, about six percent of its educators, in a move officials said was necessary to help close a $43.9 million gap in its 2010 budget.

In all, 388 school employees received separation notices, the biggest blow to District teachers since December 2003, when school officials fired 545 employees to balance the system's operating budget.

"This is a difficult time," Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee said in a statement announcing the dismissals. "We're doing everything possible to provide support for our schools, to minimize any disruption and to ensure schools can focus on serving students."

There really isn't much more to say about it here.