After voters rejected an operational referendum that would have allowed the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3.15 million annually for three years, Southern Door School District officials announced the cuts that will have to be made as a result.
More than a dozen positions were cut, resulting in more than $1 million in savings, including one elementary school teacher, two middle school teachers and five high school teachers.
Other sources of savings include a pay freeze for all employees; the elimination of three sports programs; cuts to co-curricular assignment pay and travel; and delays to computer and student device replacements.
The cuts total approximately $1.78 million and are intended to help develop a balanced budget for the upcoming school year.
Superintendent Kevin Krutzik says they are being as transparent as they can be to show that they are working to trim expenses where they can while limiting the impact on the student's educational experience.
Southern Door was not alone in making tough budget decisions following failed referendum votes this spring. According to PBS Wisconsin, school districts in Augusta, Dodgeville, Ellsworth, Fond du Lac, Monroe and Oconto are all planning to cut staff, while the Gillett, Hustisford and Winter school districts are considering closing their doors.
