AKRON, Ohio — Akron Public Schools announced plans to cut $24 million -- and in order to rectify the budget, the district says it has to eliminate 285 temporary / vacant positions.
More than 100 of those jobs will be removed through retirements and resignations, with the remaining cuts including dozens of teachers, substitute tutors, administrators and custodians.
So how did the district get here?
The fiscal plan says declining enrollment, staffing increases, increased operational costs and labor expenditures led to an unsustainable spending model. The current plan is set to eliminate 66 teaching positions.
Moving forward, district leaders say these decisions will not compromise student learning.
The district says that in addition to cuts, they will need additional funding to keep the budget on track moving forward. It is their hope that voters will pass a levy in the fall.
The board is expected to vote on the proposed plan next week.