Officials of School District U-46 put nearly $7 million in staffing and service costs on the chopping block this week, the first step to cutting $40 million from next year’s budget and avoiding a projected $56 million deficit.
U-46 staff members detailed the first phase of proposed cuts Monday, including $2.5 million in savings by delaying the fall openings of three elementary schools and a middle school.
About $1.6 million in cuts at the central office would eliminate several staff positions, including two assistant superintendents, and a reduction in the instructional materials budget would save the district another $1.5 million.
Parents and educators at the meeting voiced support for special programs that could be targeted for heavy cuts. Elgin resident Sue Reynolds said the School Within a School for gifted students is the best thing that ever happened to my son” and that she hoped the district would “follow through on their commitment to us.”
Bilingual education teachers stressed that drastic changes to their program would prove costly “in terms of lost human potential.” A report by consultants recommended slashing that program by at least half and large cuts in special education, early education and alternative education programs.
