The Crook County Schools Budget Committee is submitting a balanced budget to the School Board that includes keeping all district schools open, but with 8 teacher layoffs.  Superintendent Ivan Hernandez says they are hoping that those teaching position cuts are just "penciled in" and that it won't come to that: “Now when I say we moved forward a balanced budget; realize that in the balance of the budget we show a reduction of 8 teachers. However we are hopeful that thru negotiations we can see some concessions. In either reduction in days for the school year, or something to do with freezing salaries.” Earlier talk about closing Ochoco Elementary School was quickly off the table. But under the plan, Paulina Elementary would be changed from K thru 8 to K through 5th grade. The School Board will start looking at the budget in its next meeting set for May 9th.