May 25, 2017 2 min read

McGuffey School District is eliminating the equivalent of eight faculty positions and two other jobs for the 2017-18 academic year because of decreased enrollment and to help offset a $1.1 million budget deficit.

At its monthly meeting Thursday, the school board voted 9-0 to cut the full-time equivalent of 2 ½ elementary instructors; one teacher each in computer, technology education, music and social studies; a part-time Spanish teacher; and a full-time secondary librarian. The board also voted unanimously to drop a full-time secretary and the security guard position.

In the meeting minutes, posted on the district website, the board cited “substantial” decreases in pupil enrollment and class and course enrollment as reasons for the personnel moves.

The board also directed the administration to further examine “staffing needs” following the cuts “and to recommend any further demotions or furloughs that may be necessitated …”

School district superintendent Dr. Erica Kolat, in a response to emailed questions, said the initial furloughs will not result in the elimination of any student programs. The district’s enrollment for the 2015-16 school year was 1,764, down from 1,908 in 2011-12, according to the state Department of Education.

School district officials are still working on the 2017-18 budget, which could include a property tax increase, she stated.

Under state law, a district must approve its budget for the upcoming school year by June 30. McGuffey’s next meeting is June 15.

The preliminary budget calls for $32,825,380 in spending, about $300,000 less than the preliminary budget of a year ago.

Directors approved the job reductions following an executive session, during which they can discuss personnel issues.

Andy MacBeth, president of the McGuffey Education Association and a high school English teacher, is aware that personnel matters can be discussed in those private sessions without being on a meeting agenda, but is nevertheless disappointed the board did not speak with him about the potential cuts.

“There was no discussion with me about this,” he said. “It came from out of the blue. I think discussing it would be a courtesy, but it’s not a requirement.

“My comment as president is it’s regrettable that they took this action, and maybe they can rethink this and investigate other ways to close this gap in the budget. Maybe they can change their minds.”