“This, in part, is partially due to the realities of a failed levy over the course of two fiscal years,” Superintendent Larry Hook said. “So my hope is that, as a community and as a school district, we come to understand the true impact of what’s happening in our local schools.”
Carlisle’s school system looks to have a projected deficit of $600,000 to 800,000. Hook said that Carlisle operates on about $1.3 million each year.
The reduction of eight full-time positions — media specialist, gifted intervention specialist, Title I teacher, primary teacher, math teacher, physical education teacher, language arts teacher and special education instructor — will be made after the current school year.
“We’re required by law to produce a five-year forecast that we have to update twice a year,” Hook said. “The problem we’re presented is, we’re required to have a budget that is operating in the black. ... We’ve been cutting and cutting in this school district for the last decade. There is no more cutting to do. Our children are going to be impacted by these cuts this year.”
Hook estimated the district would save slightly more than $600,000 by removing the eight positions.
Last March, a combination bond issue and income tax was voted down.
The district said then that it faced $800,000 in cuts, including the removal of nine teachers, classified positions, classroom aides, shortened bus routes and the possible raise in athletic and student fees.
At Monday’s meeting, the board also voted unanimously to raise student, athletic and marching band fees.
Student fees rose an average of $8.75 ($35 to $45 for preschool; $25 to $30 for kindergarten; $50 to $60 for grades 1-5; and $55 to $65 for grades 6-12).
Athletic fees took a $20 jump, from $30 to $50, and high school marching band fees rose from $15 this year to $35.
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