Dr. Zalar, Oregon Schools Superintendent, says, "We only passed the levy in two out of 20 precincts, so that was very disappointing."
Two days after Oregon voters rejected the school district levy, the board of education meets to discuss the consequences. "What I say to the community is okay, you've spoken loud and clear about where you value our education at this point," says Eric Heintschel, VP of the Oregon School Board.
Back in September, the board approved a plan of what to cut if the levy fails. It totals $2-million. The plan includes slashing 20 teaching and staff positions, eliminating bus service for all high school students, increasing athletic participation fees, reducing kindergarten to all-day, every-other-day, and closing one elementary school.
School board president Diane Karoly says, "We're going to move forward as a board. We're committed to balancing the budget."
Parents, teachers, and community members packed the meeting to voice concerns. Retired judge Donald Petroff says, "I don't like the word cuts. They have to reorganize. Reorganize and prioritize."
Zalar says the district has cut its budget more than $7-million in the last three years. Employees have also taken the hit swallowing $1.3-million in concessions in this past year. He says the district is out of options.
Dr. Zalar says, "We're always open to ideas, but $2-million is a lot to come up with. You don't just find that by turning out the lights."
The board scheduled a retreat or work session for November 29 to discuss the cuts. Once approved, some would go into effect in January. The remainder would go into effect at the beginning of the next school year.
