CASTLE ROCK — The Douglas County school board made two policy changes Tuesday night that will give students more flexibility and save a little money in the process.
The board agreed to reduce graduation requirements from 25.5 to 24 credits, eliminating 31.5 teaching positions that will save more than $2 million.
The 24 credit benchmark still leaves the district with the highest graduation requirements in the metro area, officials said. It will be phased in with next freshman class.
“Finally, it’s nice to hear something that is going to save us money and doesn’t hurt,” said board member Justin Williams.
Also, the board decided to move to open campuses for high schools and extend the school day by two periods so that students can leave to pursue other interests, such as internships and college courese. That will also mean that less staff will be needed to monitor the students.
The moves come as the district is facing a $37 million budget shortfall over two years. High school staffs were charged with coming up with ideas to reduce the budget and came up with the open campus and reduced credit scenarios.
Current staff levels are expected to be trimmed by up to 238 positions, but most of those will come through attrition. Other cuts have already been identified.
