The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School district has announced they will eliminate more than 50 positions before the start of the 2016-2017 school year.
District officials said employees were notified of the decision last week when official letters were delivered by principals and department supervisors.
Low enrollment was cited as the main reason for the cuts.
“This is a very difficult but necessary action,” said Dr. Talisa Dixon, CH-UH Superintendent. “This decision was not arrived at easily. However, the CH-UH School District has seen a significant reduction in enrollment in the last decade, and that is projected to continue for several more years. We simply must bring our staffing in line with our enrollment to continue operating effectively.”
Enrollment has steadily declined over the past decade with about 900 fewer students being enrolled in 2016 than there were in 2007 – a trend school officials said will likely continue. The district is estimated to lose an additional 800 students over the next 10 years.
According to Dixon, the job cuts will effect administrative and professional staff, teachers, certified staff, and classified staff. The cuts equate to about nine percent of the district’s total staff.
The cuts are expected to save the district about $3.5 million per year.
“We’ve looked very carefully at the effect this action will have on education and we are confident that our academic programs will not be impacted,” added Dr. Dixon. “This action will allow us to use our District staff and resources effectively, including ensuring equitable and balanced class sizes. Across the District, the average class size will go from 14 to 22, which is in line with peer districts and state averages.”
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