Pink Slips Plague Family Of Teachers

It’s the second hit in just over a year.

“It’s disappointing and discouraging,” said Rachelle Sakemi, eighth-grade teacher at Desert Ridge Academy.

Rachelle Sakemi and her husband, Brian, are both local teachers. The education budget cuts are putting their livelihood on the line.

“It’s difficult, it’s hard to get by now,” said Sakemi.

KESQ first introduced you to the couple last year during the best and worst time. They were expecting a baby and not expecting to lose their jobs. That’s when both of them received layoff notices.

“He got his special education credential, so he was skipped this year because that’s a high needs area,” said Sakemi.

Although Brian was able to keep his job, Rachelle was let go. She was later hired at a different school and is now on the chopping block again.

“It’s really difficult with the uncertainty, it’s hard to plan for the future,” said Sakemi.

This time around there’s a lot more stress. The Sakemi’s now have a baby girl, they have more responsibilities and more bills. Now their income could get cut in half.

“I have college loans to pay, living costs and my daughter to care for,” said Sakemi. “I don’t want to lose my pay.”

She worries as the budget crisis continues, this year’s layoff notice could really be the end of her teaching career.

“I think it is likely that I will get a final notice,” said Sakemi.

Sakemi will know her fate by May 15 when final notices go out.