List outlines deep cuts for Reynolds

Line items total more than $10 million

By Rob Cullivan

The Gresham Outlook, Mar 13, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (9 Reader comments)

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The Reynolds School District board of directors faces dozens of proposed cuts and other measures as it attempts to fill a “huge shortfall” in its 2009-10 budget, which could reach more than $10 million.

Robert Fisher, superintendent of the Reynolds School District, presented his list of 44 proposed cuts and other measures to the district board on Thursday, March 12.

The proposals – listed in order of priority – include the elimination of five district office positions, the cutting of about 62 full- and part-time teaching and support staff positions throughout the district, the closing of the district pool at Reynolds Middle School and the elimination of one class-period a day at Reynolds High School.

The district has been embroiled in a budget crisis since last summer, leading it to reduce school days and freeze spending to make up a $3.6 million shortfall this year.

In an interview with Fisher on March 12, shortly before he submitted his recommendations to the board, he noted his proposals are provided in approximately $1 million increments.

For example, to save up to $1.104 million, the district would take four possible actions, including eliminating district office positions. The number of possible actions increases with each incremental step.

Among the actions Fisher is recommending is the elimination of 27.5 teaching positions, and reducing 48 full-time positions to part time.

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