Published: March 9, 2010
Updated: 7:55 a.m.

O.C. school cuts: $352 million and counting

By FERMIN LEAL
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Orange County's 28 public school districts have identified $352 million in budget cuts for the 2010-11 school year, and are planning on eliminating at least 571 jobs.

These are the latest estimates as of Monday from local districts that have also been targeting furloughs, a shorter school year, the elimination of music and arts, and cuts to other programs and services.

Those budget cut totals are expected to grow throughout the week as school boards continue to meet to identify other budget cuts ahead of March 15, the deadline for notifying teachers who face layoffs, and the last day to submit detailed financial plans to the county.

At least five districts have already approved cutting a combined 362 teaching jobs, and another 206 clerks, custodians, instructional aides and other support staff.

"It's going to be a rough week ahead," said county Superintendent William Habermehl said. "School districts are going to be making some real tough decisions that are going to greatly impact education."

Last year, school districts cut a combined $274 million from budgets, and reportedly laid off about 2,300 employees, including about 1,500 teachers.

This is the third consecutive year school districts have tackled significant budget cuts. Many educators predict another tough year of cuts in 2011-12, when federal stimulus funds run out, before the economy shows signs of recovery.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3773 or fleal@ocrgister.com

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