Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk School Board will not cut as many staff members as previously proposed to balance its budget for next year.
The board voted 5-to-2 to place the position of high school media specialist back into the district's budget for the 2007-2008 school year.
The move came after several weeks of media reports and letters to the editor. In addition, roughly 100 residents turned out for Monday night's school board meeting.
Superintendent Jane Babcock says she recommended the position be reinstated because it was what was best for the students, not because of the apparent pressure.
She says this will impact plans to balance the budget as the district will have to use its reserves to cover $300,000.
The board did not reinstate the positions of an elementary special education teacher, an elementary regular education teacher, 6 special education associates, or several positions at Lincoln Elementary, which is closing.
Babcock says early projections show a deficit of roughly $625,000 for the '08-'09 school year, which could lead to even more staff cuts.
Additional Information
*President Jim Vandenberg and Board Member Tyler McGhghy cast the two "no" votes.
*The Board received a standing ovation after the vote.
*Dave Barrettused the discussion to announce his bid to retain the seat he was recently appointed to because he feels the decision was the right one.