Chinese Class Dropped, Budget Cuts Continue

A Mandarin Chinese class at has been cut as Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings continues to whittle down the school budget.

A $154,000 budget shortfall remains after cutting the Chinese program, which he said was taken by fewer than 10 students.

He said he is working with transportation officials to maximize efficiencies in hopes of having to use one less bus. Each bus costs about $54,000 to use.

He also hopes to look more closely at circuit breaker funds, which is state money provided for out-of-district special education placements, to reduce costs further.

Making additional personnel cuts at this stage would be “very painful,’’ he said.

He hopes to have his final budget proposal at the next School Committee March 26.