46 Staff Face a Layoff at Huber Heights City Schools in Ohio

Due to the state’s growing financial crisis, Huber Heights City Schools in Ohio announced a major cost-cutting plan that includes cutting about 46 staff plus eliminating some of its popular programs and reducing some middle school athletic teams in order to generate more revenues. Huber Heights board members revealed that the school is aiming at removing around 17 classroom teachers, 11 classified assistant teachers, six custodians, five clerical positions, three principal or assistant principal positions, and one supervisor, school psychologist, media center position and guidance counselor. The cuts are expected to generate about $2.14 million savings for the school over the next two years.

School Superintendent, Bill Kirby, said that the job cuts and program reductions are necessary, though painful, to bridge the gap between growing expenses and reduced revenues. “The district is still identifying positions to be terminated. Notice will be sent to those affected employees in March. Under the terms of the union contracts, the layoffs will be based on seniority.”

Carl D. Fisher, School Board President, expressed his sentiments over the impending cuts. He said that the layoffs are inevitable despite the fact that the school is continuously looking for alternative ways to generate savings. “We have to make cuts we’re not happy with, but we’re going to have to live with. The proposed 1.75% income tax levy is also crucial because there is no way to cut enough out of our budget without closing some schools or turning kids away.”

According to the district treasurer, Ann Bernardo, salaries and benefits eat up over 77% to 81% of the district’s $67.9 million general fund budget. In 2010, the school spent about $51.8 million on its 465 teachers and other personnel expenses.