Falcon School District Cuts 92 Positions

By Samantha Andersons.Anderson@krdo.comFollow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SamEAnderson

COLORADO SPRINGS – Tough decisions to balance the budget in Falcon School District 49.

The school board has voted to cut 92 positions this year. D-49 has to cut $7.5 million from the budget. The district slashed $2 million last year from the central administration office.

It will save $5 million by cutting these positions.

Teachers in specialty classes such as music, art and Spanish will be among the 92 positions cut by D-49. According to school board president Danielle Lindorf, the district is re-organizing staff in hopes no one will be laid off. “Our attrition rates tend to be higher than the 92 cuts,” she stated.

Last year, they had to hire 140 teachers to replace those who left. The district is also expecting around 13 staff members to retire this year. “When we look at it, not a bad picture compared to what other districts are facing,” Lindorf said.

Even with the cuts, the school board may have to ask voters for a bond this year. Lindorf says they did a survey in the community and most everyone is for the idea. The money would be used to create more space in an elementary school and also build a new school.