Omaha Public Schools To Cut 154 Jobs

Omaha Public Schools officials said Monday they have decided to cut 154 jobs next year to save $7 million from the estimated $26 million budget deficit.

Officials said nothing is official yet, but some employees could get notifications next month.

School leaders said the tentative job cuts will include 50 teachers, 48 employees inside central administration, more than 35 paraprofessionals and 21 staff members in building support.

“It could be as many as 50 or 100. It just depends on when you add up all the part-time positions,” Omaha Education Association President Chris Proulx said.

School district leaders said priorities remain with core classrooms and reading, writing and math.

But Omaha Public School Board President Sandra Jensen knows the job cuts come at a great cost.

“We do not have any programs in place that we do not think are needed. They absolutely make a difference in improving student achievement,” Jensen said.

The district said cuts will come at all levels, and even dean positions, such as deans for students and information technology support, are not safe.

“There will certainly be some issues that we’ll all face when it comes to being able to provide those support services,” Omaha Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dennis Pool said.

District leaders said these staff reductions could change as the overall budget is finalized in summer.

From: Ketv