Reductions in Staff, Programs on Horizon for District 87
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: January 23, 2013
Big changes are coming to Bloomington's District 87 schools.
It could means cuts to programs and staff.
The district is trying to balance a nearly three million dollar budget deficit over the next two years.
Right now, there's a lot on the table.
Two extra-curricular programs proposed for elimination are the pep club and pom pom squad.
Faculty could also be cut.
The district's superintendent says the tough decision happens every year, but this time, more teachers will be affected.
While the decisions are hard to make, leaders hope they won't be permanent.
Now they're trying to ensure core classes like math, science and reading stay intact.
"You want to do those last," explained Superintendent Dr. Barry Reilly. "Hopefully you never have to get to that point. Now the reality is for us we're not touching the areas in the first year of the deficit. If the deficit continues in the second year, I expect we will be looking at those areas."
The school board meets Wednesday to discuss the proposal, but it won't take action until next month.
Leaders say shrinking property tax revenues and state payments are to blame for the potential cuts.
It could means cuts to programs and staff.
The district is trying to balance a nearly three million dollar budget deficit over the next two years.
Right now, there's a lot on the table.
Two extra-curricular programs proposed for elimination are the pep club and pom pom squad.
Faculty could also be cut.
The district's superintendent says the tough decision happens every year, but this time, more teachers will be affected.
While the decisions are hard to make, leaders hope they won't be permanent.
Now they're trying to ensure core classes like math, science and reading stay intact.
"You want to do those last," explained Superintendent Dr. Barry Reilly. "Hopefully you never have to get to that point. Now the reality is for us we're not touching the areas in the first year of the deficit. If the deficit continues in the second year, I expect we will be looking at those areas."
The school board meets Wednesday to discuss the proposal, but it won't take action until next month.
Leaders say shrinking property tax revenues and state payments are to blame for the potential cuts.
