“I think, under the parameters they have given us, [the county] will accept it,” Archibald said.
The approved budget plan outlines an extensive list of cuts to combat a $21-million deficit the district would be facing over the next three years. The board also unanimously passed two resolutions to authorize the reduction or elimination of classified positions outlined in the plan.
During the meeting, Peterson Elementary School librarian Mary Hauser learned she will be losing her job after the resolutions passed. While she is expecting her pink slip in the next couple of weeks, Hauser said she hopes that when the state budget does pass, there will be some way to bring back the librarians. She said she doesn’t blame the trustees, but doesn’t agree with the cut.
“Maybe I don’t agree with a few of [the cuts],” Hauser said. “I’m sure there are other things that they could do.”
Archibald was pessimistic about bringing back items that have been cut and warned trustees and community members that more cuts could still come.
“To think that schools are going to be spared anything that has been cut at this point is probably not the case,” Archibald said.
“The fact that the school districts may have to face more cuts than are already out there is more reality than talk right now.”
Along with Hauser and other librarians, some bus drivers, night custodians and special education instructional assistants will be losing their jobs, and many more classified staff positions will be reduced. District employees will also be facing compensation adjustment to help balance the budget.
