JOYCE — The Crescent School Board approved cuts that include four layoffs when it met last week.
A half-time Spanish teacher and a half-time special-education teacher and two para-educators could be laid off if expected state cuts materialize.
The board voted unanimously to approve a “reduced education plan” to balance an estimated $319,000 in anticipated cuts from the state Legislature, Superintendent Tom Anderson said Friday.
“If the amount of cuts we are anticipating doesn’t materialize, we hope to add back some of the programs,” Anderson said.
“Our first priority is to add the staffing back,” he added.
“We are making cuts as far away from classrooms as we can and trying to preserve programs for kids.”
In addition to the layoffs, the board approved $75,000 in cuts to materials and services or other contracts and cuts such as a $26,000 cut of its extended-day programs, which allow students to go to school early or stay late for special music, crafts or homework help, Anderson said.
The board also voted to take $75,000 from the reserve fund, he said.
All of the cuts were made in anticipation of what is expected from the state Legislature, which has not finalized a budget for the next biennium.
“Every school district is in a similar situation — making cuts and going into next year with a lot less resources this year and every year, it seems,” Anderson said.
In addition to the $319,000 reduction, district officials also expect an additional loss of $95,000, which represents the amount the district gets from a federal program, EduJobs.
The state Legislature has said it would reduce what it gives schools by the same amount each district receives from the federal program.
The board also decided no money would be moved from the general fund to capital projects.
Although the reduced education plan was passed Thursday, the budget with all the official numbers will not be passed until August.
The plan had to be passed because teachers who are to be laid off must be notified by May 15.
The state Legislature began Tuesday a 30-day special session to finish balancing a budget in the face of a $5.3 billion deficit.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
