KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The preliminary budget for Kalamazoo Public Schools is calling for almost $7.5 million dollars in cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reducing state and local tax revenue.
During their virtual meeting Thursday evening, Deputy Superintendent Gary Start presented the preliminary budget recommendations to the KPS Board of Education.
He explained that the budget cuts are going to effect almost every aspect of the future school year.
Specifically, according to their press release, the proposed budget has more than two dozen budget cuts including: eliminating the Alternative Learning Program, two professional development days, Lift Up Through Literacy, and 10 positions at the high schools; combining some positions and programs; reducing non-salary budgets by 5%; and implementing a 1.33% salary reduction with no steps, subject to negotiations and affecting only salaries over $11 an hour.
Music and arts programs have not been impacted yet, but athletics will be trimmed by 5%.
Start says the cuts are larger than the ones they saw after the Great Recession just a few years ago, and they could get even bigger as the state is still trying to estimate the true impact of the pandemic.
Trustees are expected to approve the preliminary plan next Thursday, but Start says they probably will have to make revisions when they have more accurate numbers.
Start adds that reopening schools this fall with new health requirements will also add to their financial burden. The board is urging community parents to contact Congress and lobby for more funding for schools.
On June 25, at 6:45 p.m. the board will hold a virtual public budget hearing to allow for additional comments on the proposed budget.
A link to a sign-up sheet for speakers and a link to the livestream of the meeting are posted at kalamazoopublicschools.com.
