PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School Board slashed more than $500,000 from the 2008-2009 budget, but retained all-day kindergarten after a heated discussion late-night debate.
Cuts of aspects to 17 programs made on Monday night added up to a reduction of $577,500 from next year’s school budget.
Those cuts are in addition to $792,000 in reductions already built into the budget through reducing the number of teachers at each level.
The plans are to cut 2.5 positions at the elementary level, for a savings of $177,000; 4.5 teachers at the middle school level, for a savings of $318,000, and 4.5 teachers at the high school level for a savings of $297,000.
Most of the cut of 11 full-time positions will be taken care of through retirements and people leaving for other reasons, Cohn said.
The grand total of budget cuts, counting personnel reductions, will be $1,369,500.
The board did not consider on Monday meeting an offer from 21 district administrators to give up their incremental pay raises — an action that would save the district about $33,768.
The total of $1.37 million in cuts approved Monday was by a 4-0 vote, with board member Lonnie Linn abstaining.
The board choose cuts from a list of recommendations from the Fiscal Advisory Committee — made up of community and staff — and a list by Superintendent Gary Cohn.
