KINGFISHER, Okla. (KFOR) — Budget cuts will result in layoffs in Kingfisher schools right before Christmas.
Kingfisher’s Interim Superintendent, Andy Evans, said they’ve spent eight weeks unsuccessfully trying to find alternative ways to stay on budget without layoffs.
Evans would not confirm a number but said several people will be affected.
“These are valuable professional educators. These are people that we really care a lot about,” said Evans.
Evans is facing a harsh reality this week after the board of education voted and approved a payroll reduction of almost $2 million dollars.
“We’re having to remove about $1,990,000 because of a millage change in our estimate,” said Evans. “There is never a good time of the year to tell somebody that you’re going to have to reduce their position.”
The school board asked the district to try and absorb this year’s portion $5 million dollar lawsuit settlement between the district and former student who suffered hazing injuries while playing football.
Commissioners of the Land Office pause lease increase for Shawnee families
“This has been a long, laborious process because we knew we had to be ready whenever all of our options were done,” said Evans.
Evan’s said they are focusing on non-academic areas, like athletics and P.E. classes.
“You don’t spend eight weeks of trying to go through this and trying to find every way not to do it unless you really care about what happens to people,” said Evans. “We’re centering on people that are not teaching core classes because those core classes are what our kids have to have.”
Evans said he’ll notify affected staff shortly and more work is ahead to close the gap between expenditures and revenue.
“Our biggest concern is what happens with our students in protecting the education and the quality of education that our students receive,” said Evans.
Those laid off will have the opportunity to appeal Evans’ decision and are allowed 20 days to do so.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
