(Fox 11 Online)
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Three months after cutting 66 jobs, the Oshkosh Area School District is projecting a roughly $3.1 million deficit.
The board voted 4-3 in January to eliminate about 44 staff positions and 22 teachers, which it said would absolve a $5.5 million deficit. In addition to the 66 cuts, the district further reduced its budget by $1.1 million.
The cuts voted on in January resulted in $7.8 million in savings.
District cites unforeseen funding, cost shifts as reason for deficit
The district cited unforeseen cost increases for:
- Other post-employee benefits (contractually given to former employees): $1 million
- Employee health care: $1.5 million
- Special education: $1.6 million
It also cited a decreased forecast for grant revenue of $1.3 million.
That resulted in a $10.9 million projected deficit — up significantly from the $5.5 million initially forecasted and $7.8 million initially cut.
Districts did receive less money than anticipated for special education reimbursement. The final figure was given to districts last Friday.
Board member says no teacher cuts will be made
No teachers will be cut as a result of this new deficit, according to reports from district leaders.
School board member Michael Ford said the district could look at deferred maintenance, changes to health care, cuts in contracted services or cuts in administration. Ford added later in the post that the district still expected an additional $2 million shortfall.
Kelly DeWitt, whose last meeting as a school board member is Wednesday, said this questions the faith she has in the district administration’s financial leadership.
“We talk as a board about being a destination district in hopes of increasing enrollment and increasing our test scores and achievement,” said DeWitt. “But I can assure you that this is only going to bring the exact opposite.”
DeWitt will be replaced on the board by Jacob Wolf.
District board will discuss cuts Wednesday
The school board will discuss cuts at its regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m., but will not take any action.
The district hopes to have more conversations about the cuts in a meeting April 30.
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