Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Superintendent John Allison presented the Wichita Board of Education with Phase 3 budget cuts Monday night. First, by the numbers, Phase 3 budget reductions amount to $15.3 million, and calls for a reduction of 186 school positions. Most of those cuts will be teachers, as well as other certified staff such as counselors.

The budget cuts also include replacing 10 high school librarians with 8 library clerks. Athletics are also impacted with the loss of 24 high school coaching positions and the elimination of C-Team sophomore team sports. The fifth grade strings program will be eliminated.

Superintendent John Allison acknowledges the cuts bring more uncertainty to school staff. As for who's in and who will be out of a job, that will depend on such things as attrition, retirements, staff moving, or resignations for personal reasons. And there could still be more tweeking of the budget once the legislature finalizes its budget. We'll be watching for that to come.