Shawnee Mission Schools Cutting $10 Million, 128 Jobs

LENEXA, Kan. -- The Shawnee Mission School Board discussed budget cuts in the district for the 2010-11 school year and faces cutting $10.1 million and up to 128 jobs.Superintendent Gene Johnson shared his proposed budget cuts with the school board Monday in a meeting at Shawnee Mission West High School."We need teachers, parents and the community to work together," parent Cathy Cook said to the board.A number of parents showed up at the meeting to voice their concern about the cuts. The job losses could amount to 128 full-time positions which could include teachers, custodians, specialists and counselors."When you start cutting fine arts and music at elementary levels and options from high school, people will walk away from this district," Johnson said.Despite the proposed cuts, the Johnson said parents ultimately have nothing to fear."Yes class sizes may be bigger, but we will still give the programs this community expects," Johnson said.Other proposed changes include an increase in fees for all-day kindergarten, reducing out-of-district travel at all levels and the removal of one counselor or social worker from each high school.And while only a few people addressed the board out of the dozens at the meeting, each one made it clear they understand these are tough times and tough choices.The board has some time to think about and discuss the proposal, with a final vote not coming until August.

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