Ludington schools may reduce teaching, support staffs

LUDINGTON — Ludington Area Schools Board of Education will hold a special meeting Tuesday morning and will consider laying off teachers for next school year.

The board is trying to cut $911,000 from the 2013-2014 budget in an attempt to have more money in the fund balance savings and to possibly give raises to teachers. Interim Superintendent David Killips has stated that he would like the board to reduce the teaching staff in an attempt to help reach that goal, resulting in a financial savings of $234,000.

The number of layoffs will depend on retirements. Killips has told the school board he would like to have six fewer teachers next school year and that layoffs could be fewer than four. The board may also chose to save an additional $126,000 by not hiring back three kindergarten teachers next school year.

The board may also consider reducing support staff in an attempt to save an additional $141,000.

The board meets at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Central Business Office, 809 E. Tinkham Ave.