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Ashland schools may cut $600,000 By DAMIAN MANN ASHLAND � A minimum of seven teaching, administrative and support positions could be lost next year as the school district grapples with an anticipated shortfall of $600,000 in next year�s budget. Superintendent Juli Di Chiro said the district�s funding problems are more grave than previously thought and could get worse, depending on the Oregon Legislature�s decision on the state education budget. As a result, she has decided not to hire a curriculum and instruction position and support staff, saving the district $125,000. The school board recently authorized hiring for this position. Though more severe staff cutbacks could be made, Di Chiro hopes to avoid them through possible reductions in other services. "We are trying to avoid a further reduction in force," she said. "But I don�t know if I can do that." The result of the cutbacks could be an increase in class size as the district loses more than five positions at the elementary, middle and high school levels through attrition. Di Chiro said the district, which has an overall budget of $20 million, has spent down its reserve funds during the past five years and has no other options but to make the cuts. Compounding the problem, the district also has seen other funds dry up, particularly for technology. "All of these funds are getting zeroed out," Di Chiro said. "All of these things are making for tough times at our schools." The financial situation would have been worse if the district didn�t receive $1.5 million in local property taxes each year for school activities. Many blame the problem on a variety of cost increases, including salaries, insurance and energy. Enrollment is also down by 46 students in Ashland, resulting in a loss of income. The district had projected there would be 240 students at Helman Elementary School last year, but only received 223. This represents one teaching position. Bellview Elementary School also came in under projections, which results in another lost position. Ashland Middle School would lose two positions and Ashland High School about 1.5 positions, Di Chiro said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.