S. Kitsap School District gets $4.5M from state, but job cuts still on for now
Port Orchard - The South Kitsap School District is receiving $4.5 million from the state but says it is too early to determine if any of that money will be used to save jobs. In May the district decided to cut 68 full time positions including 61 teaching positions.
The teacher's union said that accounted for 10% of its teaching force.
On Thursday, Superintendent Michelle Reid told Q13 Fox News they cannot make an emotional decision but have to look at the data before reinstating any of the eliminated positions. She says student enrollment is down previous to last year. She says class enrollment will play a pivotal role in the final decision.
Teacher's union says despite declining enrollment the district struggles with overcrowded classrooms. The group is hoping the district will use the extra funds to save the eliminated positions.
The district says the state allocated the $4.5 million for specific purposes. The superintendent hopes to have a final decision in the next several weeks. The legislature approved an additional $1 billion for K-12 education in a last minute budge agreement.