Staff Cuts Recommended to Save Money in St. Charles Schools

Staff cuts were among the list of recommendations the St. Charles Board of Education will consider as members try to cut $1 million from next year's budget. 

Superintendent Jeff Marion convened a committee of about 50 administrators, staff members, parents and community members to make recommendations for cost-saving measures. 

The largest issue the committee will consider is whether it makes sense to consolidate St. Charles West and St. Charles High School into just one high school.

The district is paying Dickinson Hussman Architects up to $25,000 to study that issue and report back to the district. The committee is expected to weigh in this spring. 

Last year the district cut 10 staff positions through attrition. Marion said the district will continue to make staff cuts through attrition but will consider cutting positions based on student enrollment as well. 

"We may have to let them go if we do not need the person," he said. 

During Thursday's board meeting, the committee made a number of other recommendations, including:

• Reduce overall staffing based on student enrollment, not just through attrition. 
• Consider charging students to play sports.
• Reduce hourly stipend paid to after school sponsors at Jefferson Intermediate and Hardin Middle School
• Limit the number of games/tournaments per sport to avoid travel costs.
• Set minimum number of participants needed to offer a 9th grade sport.
• Consider potential bond issue projects.
• Consider free or online text books.
• Offer fee-based activities during early release or after school.
• Survey district employees, and community to determine what programs are essential.

Marion said the not all of these recommendations will necessarily be implemented next year. 

"It's a report to go to and start looking at as we try to fine-tune the budget," Marion said. 

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