At a meeting last night, members of the Wichita school board tentatively agreed to look toward finalizing savings for the district by eliminating certain hazardous bus routes and changing the start times for several schools. KMUW’s Abigail Wilson reports that an additional proposal could change the calendar for the next school year and possibly outsource custodial services.
The meeting included tearful remarks from teachers and students alike. Board member Sheril Logan also shared her disappointment with the cuts.
“This is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do because we don’t have good choices," Logan said. "And the decisions we have to make hurt our district, and that breaks my heart.”
Cost increases for the district are projected at more than $22 million, with flat funding from the state. The most recent proposal would reduce expenses by $3 million. It includes two options: to lengthen the school day by 30 minutes and shorten the school year by two weeks, or to eliminate some elementary and middle school librarians and data leaders who interpret student test scores, as well as to outsource the district's custodial staff.
Board members are expected to hold a special meeting in the coming weeks to finalize and take action on all of the proposals.
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