Budget meeting Monday

Budget reductions under consideration by the Clarkston Board of Education may become official at next Monday’s Workshop Meeting.
The board is considering $4.2 million in cuts to the $78 million budget.
Combined reductions in staff would cut about $1.4 million. These would include nine classroom teachers, eight special-education teachers and staff, and 13 support staff members.
Special education would also be cut another $160,000, including supplies and five support staff.
Cuts would also be made to technology, field-trip transportation, conference registration, new library books, staff cell phones, community education, athletics, office supplies, club sponsorships, and communications.
Elimination of Administrative Performance Incentives, proposed this past June, would save $90,000. A 40-percent reduction in Curriculum Adoptions, for new coursework, textbooks, and related materials, would save about $350,000.
Changes to the student transportation system, including consolidation of routes and elimination of some bus stops, would save about $150,000.
Reduction in energy costs should save about $600,000, as a result of energy studies done during the previous school year.
The biggest single cut, $900,000, would be in insurance costs. These and teacher lay-offs would also be subject to union contract negotiations.
The Board of Education will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, at the school Administration Building, 6389 Clarkston Road. For more information, call Clarkston schools at 248-623-5400, or check www.clarkston.k12.mi.us.