Less than two years ago, dozens of LPS teachers, staff and administrators were told their jobs were ending, with the closing of two LPS schools.

Now, keys have been turned in, and the doors closed, yet some, are still struggling to find another job.

Answering phones, taking notes, and numerous other tasks, have been the focus of secretary Linda McPherson's professional life for many years.

"I've been at Dawes for 10 years. I've been working for LPS for 18 years," said McPherson.

After all those years, McPherson will soon be out of a job, as the doors of Dawes Middle School close for the final time.

"They told us to get our resume in order, because we no longer had a job, so they left us hanging with no place to go, and nothing to do," said McPherson.

The announcement first came in August 2007, when LPS decided to re-organize the district, by closing two schools, Hawthorne Elementary and Dawes.

"We've known about it for two years, but I guess the reality never really set in until a couple months ago," said McPherson.

Contractual staff, such as administration, teachers and counselors, were guaranteed a job within the district.

Dr. Nancy Biggs, Associate Assistant Superintendent with human resources at LPS, says that's not the case for secretaries like McPherson, and many other staff members.

"They do not have a contract that guarantees them continuing employment within the district," said Biggs. "Those people are offered the opportunity to apply for anything that's open in the district at another school, and then interview, and if they are selected, to transfer to that job."

McPherson says that's exactly what she has done.

"I do have my resume ready, and I have given my resume to everybody I've interviewed with," said McPherson.

Fourteen applications and four interviews later, McPherson says she still has no leads.

"Sometimes, it takes time to find jobs where there is a match," said Biggs. "When they get to the interview, it really is based on the knowledge and skills they're bringing to the job, and their match to what that school, or that location needs."

McPherson says she feels as if she is being pushed out, after being told she looked too old, and personal information was disclosed in an interview.

"Eighteen years. No job. Gray hair. Hiring people younger than I am. Medical information disclosed. (They're) supposed to give me first consideration over new hires. It's just not happening for me," said McPherson.

Biggs says anytime an employee is believed to be of no value to the district, they are let go.

Plus, she says the district is not yet done hiring.

"We still have the rest of June, all of July, and a lot of August," said Biggs.

As those first few days of July approach, McPherson says if she still has not been placed in a new position, "I have to file for unemployment after eighteen years."

McPherson's last day at Dawes is July 2.

She says Friday morning, she plans to file for unemployment.

McPherson says she is not alone. Several other secretaries are still searching for jobs.

Meanwhile, Biggs says LPS encouraged staff to begin searching for jobs when the news was first announced.

LPS also held several workshops to assist in the job process.