District announces staff reductions looming for CH-UH schools

Citing continuing uncertainty around Governor John Kasich’s proposed biennial budget and his education reform plan, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board has tasked Douglas Heuer, superintendent, and Scott Gainer, chief financial officer, to develop a plan for substantial budget cuts.

The request was made at the board’s meeting on April 9. An initial draft of the planned cuts is expected to be presented to the Board at their April 23 work session. 

“It’s necessary for us to reduce our operating costs as much as possible without significantly impacting the quality of our academic programs,” said Ron Register, CH-UH School Board president. “We cannot plan on any additional financial assistance from the State. We are essentially funded by our local tax dollars, and that situation demands that we continue to find areas to reduce costs.”

Heuer said that priority will be given to retain the support and management positions that directly impact teaching and learning. “Reductions in teaching staff numbers will be based upon student enrollment numbers by building and grade level. We will retain the teaching positions necessary to maintain the quality of educational programs. This is a process the district engages in annually.

"Once those numbers have been established, and they will be by April 23, we can move forward to determine the number of support staff and administration necessary for support and management,” said Heuer. “We will also be looking to reduce spending in other areas of operation.” 

“With the Ohio General Assembly’s apparent unhappiness with the governor’s budget and education plan, we have no idea what our funding will be over the next 18 months,” stated Gainer.

Gainer said the financial forecast the board passed in February indicates that the district will continue to be on a three-year levy cycle, with the next operating levy anticipated in 2014 with an estimated millage of 8.6 mills. That potential need added to the board’s desire to reduce costs for taxpayers.     

“The board understands that we have contractual obligations for the notification of reductions with all CH-UH employees,” added Register. “Additionally, state law requires that teachers are notified by April 30 if they will be affected by a reduction in force. We are tasking the administration to ensure that those deadlines are met.”