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Fayette Schools Work To Spare Classroom From Cuts

Karyn Czar
/
WUKY

Fayette County Schools officials say a nearly $10 million dollar state cut won’t result in any teacher or staff layoffs in the proposed 2017-18 budget, but other positions will be trimmed while the district searches for alternative funding for new safety recommendations.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports 22 administrative positions ranging from maintenance to finance will be left vacant or not renewed.

"The strategy is try to keep any reductions, cuts in personnel, away from the classroom," Superintendent Manny Caulk tells WUKY.

Caulk notes the tentative budget doesn’t fund safety recommendations crafted by a 28-member panel – made up of district staff, students, faith-based community partners, and others – in the wake of high-profile school shootings, but he’s optimistic the district will find a way.

"We're going to look at out community and find a different pathway to get that supported," he pledges.

The spending plan does earmark around $44,000 for metal detectorsat Frederick Douglass High School.

Nearly $3 million in state grants for textbooks, teacher training, and other programs will be axed, but the district will boost spending for special education, English language learners, and gifted and talented students to the tune of $1.3 million.

The local school board is slated to vote on the budget Monday.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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