By: Kylen Mills
kmills@cbs4qc.com
The Moline School District could face a $3.8 million deficit next year.
Tonight there is a public meeting. School leaders will present their five year financial plan and then the public can weigh in.
School leaders say this isn't a new problem; over the past three years they've let go 26 elementary school teachers and cut back on athletics.
Moline School District Superintendent David Moyer says there's no quick fix for a deficit this big.
One option they're considering for next year is to raise class registration and extracurricular fees.
School leaders say they're looking at cuts in programs, staff and special education.
The superintendent says although it's not easy, if they don't act now the deficit could affect students education in years to come.
"If we don't do some things this year and face up to the fact that we have unfortunately some tough decisions to make, then some of the options that are going to be available when the budget is in even worse shape next year are gonna be even worse," said Moyer.
The
superintendent also says he's optimistic they can turn things around. However, he says they will evaluating every area to see where they can
adjust, and they need to know what's most important to the community.
"Right
now internally we're looking at pretty much every area of our operations to try
to see what's feasible and so this just gives us more input as we go forward
making a decision," said Moyer.
The meeting is Tuesday at 6:30pm at the Moline Public Library.
Administrators will take public input and put it to use as they make proposals for the budget to the school board in March and April.
