budget cuts

“The unfortunate reality…is that some very good, inspiring, outstanding educators have got caught in the crosshairs, and for that I’m truly sorry,” said Gilbert. Noting the many “tough” decisions that had to be made, the BOE passed the resolution by an 8-1 vote.

BOE member Bill Gifford said such an audit would provide “valuable insights into the financial health of our district” and “set up our future Business Administrator for success.”

“I see your uncomfortable faces, and you should be uncomfortable, because this is embarrassing,” said CHS student Izzy Sandoval to BOE members.

A list of 28 positions to be cut was posted to the school district website late Wednesday.

“This is what we live for,” said one student. Another said cuts to music & arts would inequitably impact students unable to fund private lessons.

18 positions will be cut through attrition; 10 employees will be fired. The budget also entails a 35% reduction for materials and textbooks, applied evenly across departments.

With the BOE set to vote on April 25, a district spokesperson has stated that cuts — including a potential loss of 30-40 staffers — are still under discussion with the goal of applying cuts equitably across all departments.

“…at this point, we are well beyond trimming fat from our budget. We are cutting into bone,” said Gilbert.
Meanwhile, at Monday’s BOSE meeting, Business Admin. Eric Burnside defended himself and his office against accusations of mismanaging funds.

As district faces unexpected deficit, Board members implore Business Administrator to rethink budgeting process. “None of us feel good about this,” one BOE member said.

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