AISD says it will have to cut up to $60 million from next year's budget, and this time the cuts will reach into the classroom. The superintendent says as long as students keep coming to school every day, that may not have to happen.
It is as easy to see as an open book. With less money expected to come in from the state, AISD students will have to do more with less next year. Possibly up to $60 million less.
"If they are going to cut teachers, especially those that are experienced and care for the kids, it really will be a tremendous loss," Tometra Hargrobe, a Pillow Elementary parent said.
"Very nervous. Very nervous.The teachers, the school employees, there is talk across the district that they are worried," Rae Nwoso of Education Austin said.
AISD superintendent Maria Carstarphen says they should be.
"It is going to be hard on us (the district)," Carstarphen said.
During her state of the district speech, Thursday she made it clear classrooms will lose out in the 2011 budget. She has a committee still trying to figure out what to chop, but it could likely be some education programs, schedules, and jobs.
"We are going to be looking anywhere and everywhere for savings," Carstarphen said.
Carstarphen says there is a way to make the money back the district will most likely lose from the state. The answer? Making sure students make it to class every day. Each time a kid misses school the district loses $45. Last year, absences cost the district $50 million to $60 million. That is the same amount the district may have to cut.
"We are looking at all options, and regardless of the cut we will make sure we still serve your kids really well," Carstarphen said.
