By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — When 180 nontenured teachers received layoff notices in March after the Board of Education budget was reduced by $2.1 million, many people feared a mass exodus.
Human Resources Director Wendy Kopazna said only a couple of teachers quit and that was because they are relocating out of state.
Administrators said they sent the notices because the size of the cut meant that some layoffs could occur.
The layoff notices helped bring out a record crowd of more than 500 people to a budget hearing urging the Board of Aldermen to reinstate the funds.
The aldermen voted to put back $1 million. The school budget received a 5 percent increase over the current fiscal year.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Michael Cummings said he knows many teachers did seek employment elsewhere, but decided in the end to remain.
"I know we all wrote a lot of recommendations," Cummings said.
"I’m not aware of anyone leaving because of the letters."
School board member James Quish said he is pleased that the letters did not have an "adverse effect" and the district did not "lose any great teachers."
Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said he credits leaders in the Milford Education Association for counseling their 650 members, and helping them remain in Milford.