The school board voted Tuesday night to make cuts to personnel and services. Up to 120 teachers, counselors, nurses bus drivers and others could lose their jobs.
The result would be the shutdown of the Dixieland Elementary School, larger classes in other schools, fewer student services and an end to bus rides for high school students.
Parents, students and school district employees loudly protested the cuts. School Superintendant John Stafford acknowledged tough times are coming but told the packed meeting " At this point we have to prepare for the worst."
Many in the crowd called for deeper cuts to school administrators. During the public comment period teacher Arnido Aranico said " The district needs to cut, but they are looking in the wrong places. They need to cut the fat from those who need to lose it."
The audience cheered when the school board voted to add the districts Public Information Officer position to the list of possible cuts.
After the meeting Public Information Officer Jake Bergonier said the next step is for the unions to begin bargaining with the district. He said concessions could mitigate some of the cuts.
He said the district is also hoping the Governors revision of the state budget in May will contain more money for schools. But he acknowledged, it could mean even less.
