Donnellson, IA – Fewer staff cuts could be needed to close one Southeast Iowa school district's budget shortfall.
The Central Lee School District and the union representing its teachers have agreed to a new one-year contract.
Superintendent John Henriksen says the contract includes a 4% increase in wages and benefits.
He says the deal means the district will not have to make as many budget cuts as previously expected.
Henriksen says a high school english teacher, a K-8 librarian, and an agriculture-education employee will be restored to full-time in next year's budget.
He says the district will close the remaining $200,000 shortfall by cutting several teaching positions, eliminating a mobile classroom and some middle school sports programs, and reducing counseling and instrumental music services.
You can hear more with John Henriksen by clicking the audio button above.
Additional Information
* Henriksen says the worst-case scenario anticipated a more than $250,000 budget shortfall.
* The district has already eliminated one physical education position.
* Contract arbitration was avoided through a second-line mediation session.