35 teaching positions could be cut; plus cost of living and other pay increases reduced as well as eliminating three more days to the school year. This is the plan that Bend La Pine Schools are proposing to try and make up for a $15-million shortfall for next year. The Bend Bulletin reports that Superintendent Ron Wilkinson says that: "This is tough times, and it will either bring out the best or the worst." District officials say they plan to eliminate programs and positions created through almost $2-million in stimulus funding, that has now expired.
They will also cut technology and textbook allowances and eliminate eight administrator positions. Wilkinson says they must now have talks with the teachers and classified unions and hopefully come to agreements before the budget approval date of June 28th.
