Program reductions and cuts in positions are on the table as the Clarkston School District looks at ways to tackle a nearly $1.7 million budget deficit for the 2019-20 school year.
School board members on Monday were presented with potential cuts, with the district expected to finalize its recommendations at the end of the month.
The reductions come as the school district expects to lose some $1.5 million in local taxes this fiscal year after the Washington Legislature imposed a levy cap of $1.50-cents per $1,000 in assessed value. Officials say nearly all of the state’s school districts face similar obstacles.
In Clarkston, expected measures to be taken include the elimination of five positions, such as secondary librarians at the middle and high schools, and a community connection coordinator, with the possibility of cutting classified “paraprofessional” – or teacher’s aide – positions and other support staff.
As of now, Superintendent Tim Winter says no layoffs are forecast, but rather the people filling the targeted positions would be moved into other jobs. Athletics programs would also be affected, with the elimination of all “C teams” at Clarkston High School, a reduction of coaches and travel, and suspension of training for coaches. An overnight field trip to Camp Wooten for sixth-graders is also at risk, as are some supplemental stipends for members of the Clarkston Education Association.
Cuts could also be made for a college and career readiness program, professional development for administrative staff members, out-of-state travel, and other departmental budgets. (Lewiston Tribune)
