Bonner County schools face staff cuts

A budget shortfall of up to $1.7 million is forcing the Lake Pend Oreille School District to cut several teaching positions going into the next school year.

“From a financial perspective we’ve taken a very responsible step,” Superintendent Dick Cvitanich said Wednesday. “It’s tough it had to happen this year, but I think it puts us in a better position moving forward financially.”

A reduction in federal forest funds, declining enrollment and increasing health insurance costs all had an impact on the district’s budget, Cvitanich said.

Originally, the district estimated a shortfall of $2.2 million and announced more than 20 teachers would lose their jobs.

The cuts were announced even as the district is attempting to pass a plants-facilities levy next month.

Insurance costs didn’t rise as much as anticipated and nine teachers took early retirement buyouts, so the financial picture has somewhat improved since the cuts were announced last month.

The district announced cuts early so teachers who lose their jobs can begin looking for new ones, Cvitanich said.

Because the district doesn’t need to make as many cuts as originally anticipated, Cvitanich said a committee is being formed to consider adding back some of the positions that were cut from the budget. Cuts will affect all grade levels, Cvitanich said.

The district’s enrollment – currently around 3,700 students – decreased by 300 during the past two years, Cvitanich said.

Board member Steve Youngdahl said he didn’t believe the decline was going to become a trend.

“You have these little blips,” he said. “As a community, as you grow, you’re going to have some up and down blips.”

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