The St. Vrain Valley School District will cut 85 full-time positions for the 2008-2009 school year, district officials announced today.
The cuts are the result of a budget shortfall now expected to be between $4 million and $5 million, said John Poynton, communications manager for SVVSD. Rising costs for energy, health care and salaries along with lower enrollment projections contributed to the deficit, Poynton said.
District employees were notified of the impending cuts Tuesday in a letter sent by Superintendent Randy Zila.
The cuts will impact classified and administrative staff as well as teachers throughout the district. Probationary teachers — those who have been in the district for under two years — are expected to make up most of the cuts in the teaching staff, Poynton said.
“It’s very unfortunate and very painful that we have to do this to these young, bright and energetic professionals,” he said. “On the other hand, we have to operate with a balanced budget.”
The St. Vrain Valley School District currently has more than 3,000 employees.
Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier: 303-954-1661 or jsteltonholtmeier@denverpost.com
