Dist. 158 considers more layoffs

Reduced enrollment in the English Language Learners program in Huntley Area District 158 could lead to additional layoffs, which would aid the district’s efforts to trim $6.5 million from its budget, administrators said.

Jessica Lombard, the chair human resources officer, said additional data indicates fewer students will need the program in the upcoming school year.

“Based on the number of students entering and declining enrollment, we are recommending the district look at that area for possible reductions,” Lombard said at Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting.

The district did not make a decision on the layoffs. Action is expected at the April 21 regular board meeting.

Superintendent John Burkey said while the layoffs would save the district about $150,000, the reductions would have been made regardless of the budget situation. The district will consider laying off three ELL teachers.

“The budget is not driving this,” Burkey said. “It is based on the number of students. We wouldn’t over-staff an area.”

Burkey said the reduced enrollment numbers are a testament to the program’s success as students attain proficiency.

During the discussion, some board members said they were concerned that the district need more of a financial buffer based on a number of uncertainties, including current contract negotiations and the state’s financial situation.

“The 2012 budget is extremely tight,” board member Michael Skala said. “There are small items that are unaddressed for the board to react to months down the road.”

Board member Tony Quagliano initially asked administrators to consider trimming another $200,000, but backed off the notion.

“I can live with not doing another $200,000, but you better have the resolve to hit your target with the contract,” Quagliano said. “We sure as heck better stick to our guns on how this is going to go down. I absolutely refuse to put us in a deficit spending situation ... you just have to look at your state to see how that works.”

Last month, the district approved a reduction in force of 11 full-time positions, as well as other cuts, which saved the district about $1 million. The reductions are part of an overall plan to trim $6.5 million from the district’s 2011-2012 budget.

Administrators said if funding is restored or enrollment figures increase, some of the teachers maybe recalled.