Charleston School Board Approves $1.2 Million in Cuts

The Charleston school board Wednesday approved approximately $1.2 million in cuts as the district deals with the state's budget dilemma.

Most of the cuts involve personnel. Most of the positions affected are currently vacant or will be after this school year, but an elementary music position and another elementary teaching position will be eliminated, as well as a PE substitute position at Ashmore School, a district energy manager post, and 12 paraprofessional positions.

The board decided against eliminating the district's gifted education program or the cuts would have been higher.

Charleston board members also voted to increase fees for the coming year, including the driver's ed fee, the high school student parking fee, activity fees, ticket prices, season ticket prices, and the summer school fee. The increases are projected to generate $114,000 in additional income.

Charleston Superintendent Jim Littleford said things need to change in Springfield or else the situation could grow worse.