Crookston School Board studies cuts at middle, high school

Crookston School Board members discussed cutting or reducing to half-time status 21 postions Tuesday as it searched for $1.5 million in budget savings.

The high school took the brunt of the possible cuts with 12.5 jobs lost. The middle school would lose 6.5 jobs, while grade school staff was untouched.

Still, Superintendent Wayne Gilman said, the $1.5 million needed for a balanced budget has not yet been reached. That may come Thursday morning, when board members will decide whether to increase fees to save some under-fire extracurricular activities.

Three more high school positions also are under scrutiny in a discussion whether to protect core classes or electives.

“We have flat or negative funding from the state, rising health insurance costs, fixed costs from contracts, and the economy isn’t doing us any favors,” Gilman said.

“We can’t run a terrible $1 million-plus deficit.”

Likely job cuts at the high school are full-time teaching positions in English, math, science, career tech education and social studies, the dean of students, an administrative assistant, curriculum assessment/staff development employee and two custodians.

Half-time reductions were in music, media education and English language.

Middle school losses were four paraprofessionals, two special education teachers and a half-time media assistant.

“We’re trying; it’s hard,” Gilman said.

Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com.

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