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Williams Bay schools considering staff cuts

WILLIAMS BAY — Williams Bay School District has scheduled a public hearing next month to gather the community's input on a proposal to cut about 12 staff positions.

During a public hearing Monday, Feb. 7, the district will consider cutting three full-time teachers, four and a half full- and part-time teachers, two aide positions, one maintenance worker and one administrator position, District Administrator Fred Vorlop said.

Three food service positions also would be eliminated. Vorlop said the cost of meals jumped 30 cents this semester, and the district is carrying a $55,000 deficit in food service.

If approved, staff cuts would begin next school year, and the food service positions would be dropped this semester.

The district in November sought through a referendum to exceed the state's tax limit by $498,000 per year in both 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. It then would have increased to $898,000 each year after.

The referendum was rejected by about two-thirds of voters.

Vorlop said at the time if the measure failed, the school system might have to cut a quarter of its 50 teachers within the next five years to help lower its $600,000 deficit.

IF YOU GO

What: Public hearing on a proposal for the Williams Bay School District to cut 12 positions.

When: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7.

Where: Williams Bay High School, 500 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay.

Details: No decision on the cuts will be made at the hearing, but District Administrator Fred Vorlop said the board would act on the proposal before April 15. That's when the district is required by law to notify the state what positions will not be renewed.

Anyone who can't attend the hearing is invited to send written comments to the district office.