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Alabama schools could make more job cuts next year

By Elizabeth Gentle - bio | email

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - More job cuts could be on the way to public schools for next year.

83% of schools state wide anticipate reductions that could take away from the classroom and the curriculum.

Jobs have been trimmed and some core subjects have been tightened.

Huntsville City Schools said education comes first.

They will have the people in place to teach core requirements like math and English.

To make that happen, though, cuts are having to be made in other areas.

Angela Carr teaches Kindergarten at Chapman Elementary School.

She's seen a lot through her career but nothing as difficult as two years of proration.

"I've been teaching 17 years throughout the years they've threatened it but it never really happened," Carr said. 

"This year when it really happened its surprised us and its going to get worse," she continued.

3-quarters of public schools in Alabama lost jobs during the summer.

More cuts are expected next year.

"That means our class sizes will go up and our quality of education will go down," said Carr.

Carr said the current 7% proration means she can't get all the supplies she needs for her classroom without donations.

"Last year was cut back by $100.00," said Carr. "We felt that a little bit, but this year its non existent."

Doctor Ann Roy Moore, Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, said the system is doing everything it can to save a dime.

There is a hiring freeze and people who retire are not being replaced.

Additionally, school leaders are considering consolidating bus routes.

"We are trying really hard to come up with ways to this year to save $9 million to cover our expenses through the rest of the school year," said Moore.

And by next year, Moore said proration could hit even harder.

"The most difficult time will come around June or July, toward the end of the fiscal year. We are going to struggle to make sure we cover everything," said Moore.

The system is still considering consolidation of at least 4 schools to save money.

Those are Blossomwood, East Clinton, Lincoln and MLK Elementary.

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