Lakota schools propose to layoff 69 teachers

LIBERTY TWP, Ohio - In an effort to save $4.3 million in teacher salaries, Lakota Local Schools released a proposal on Monday to cut junior and senior high school teacher positions.

According to the district, 26 positions would be cut at the junior high schools and 43 positions would be cut in the high schools.

To accommodate the cuts class sizes would be maximized, courses would be consolidated and the school day would be shortened by a half an hour for both schools.

"If we don't take action, we will run out of money in two years," said Superintendent Karen Mantia at Monday's school board meeting.

Hundreds filled the auditorium at Lakota East for the 7 p.m. meeting.

"With three failed levies, we must adjust. There is simply no choice," Mantia said.

Other parts of the plan would create chances for high school credit to be earned at the junior high level.  In addition, the number of credits required to graduate would be reduced from 21 to 20.

These proposals come with the district eyeing a budget cutting target of $9 million for the 2012-13 school year.

The proposal also calls for a new academic approach which would be taught in partnership with Butler Tech provided the Butler Tech Board of Education approves.  There would be heavier emphasis on science, technology and engineering.

As parents in the district digest the latest proposals to cut costs the administration will be getting ready for the next budget presentation which will be held at the Feb. 23 board meeting. It will focus on grades K-6.