District 11 Approves Budget For Next School Year

Colorado Springs School District 11 has approved its budget for the 2010-11 school year after trimming it by $13 million.

District officials said they were able to finalize the budget without increasing class sizes or adding furlough days. The budget cuts 45 staff positions, including nearly a dozen teaching positions. It also includes a large cut in school supplies, meaning students may have to use older textbooks.

Officials said they got some help from their decision to close down nine district buildings last year. The move saved the district $3 million.

This upcoming school year’s budget is $364 million. Officials said they will examine spending closely this year. They expect to have to make more budget cuts for the 2011-12 school year.