Layoffs, a school closing and eliminating K-3 classes designed for smaller class size, is how one Wisconsin school district is dealing with fewer federal and state aid dollars. The Kenosha Unified School District has announced plans to lay off 212 teachers, along with contract workers and administrators. This is response to their $33-million budget shortfall next year.
Superintendent Michelle Hancock said, “These are extraordinary times which call for extraordinary measures,” adding the options is to cut spending or raise taxes.
Assistant Superintendent for Business, Sharonda Glass, said they had “no idea” when drafting the budget that the reductions would amount to $500 a student.
Aside from cutting positions, the district is also looking to close one elementary school and eliminate SAGE classes. The Board of Education gets back to all this next week.
Janet Hoff-WRJN
