An article in the Washington Post is reporting that D.C. schools have laid-off more than 200 teachers and unexpectedly lost more than 300 security guards on the same day.  Michelle Rhee, D. C. chancellor, said that the lay-offs were necessary to rectify the budget gap, but it seems the Teacher's Union may question that motivation. Rhee is touted as being extremely knowledgeable about school matters and creative in her approach to system management.  However, I question this latest move.  Why wait until the school year is in session to present teachers with dismissal notices?  Surely there is a staff of budget concious individuals who could have predicted this deficit.  For the students and parents who, unexpectedly, are facing new schedules, teachers, and possibly courses, I know that this was a bad choice.  Yes, students are resilient but for kids who already face uncertainty and unheaval, as most inner-city students do, is it necessary to create chaos where none existed before?  I think not.  There is certainly a time to terminate an ineffective teacher, or to eliminate positions that are no longer affordable, but this is not that time.