Teacher positions could be eliminated due to projected enrollment rates
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

After receiving the Enrollment Project and Audit Report, the Williamsville Central School District is going one step further: projecting the staffing level needed for next year.

The early projection estimates smaller classes in 2008-09, which has led to a current recommendation to cut 11 full-time teaching positions districtwide.

Superintendent Howard S. Smith discussed the recommendation at the Dec. 11 Board of Education meeting.

"This is just an estimate," he said, adding that the final recommendation will be made the end of May, after students at the secondary level have made their class schedules.

The schedules determine how many teachers, full time and part time, are needed for the subjects with the most students.

The recommendation is also for two unallocated full-time positions to be budgeted to accommodate any unforeseen teacher needs next year, resulting in a net decrease of nine positions.

The possible savings from eliminating the positions is $494,272.

"Some teachers assigned to six-month or one-year positions may not have a job next year. But every year, teachers retire or go on leave, with a number around 11. I don't anticipate anyone with a permanent appointment losing a position," Smith said.

Compared to previous years, the number is higher. Smith said that is a direct result of the decrease in enrollment.

The early projection is that four elementary, four middle school and three high school positions would be eliminated.

A projection is made early to determine savings, which may help the district decide on major impact items to the 2008-09 budget. The items were first discussed in November.

The district currently has 875 teaching positions.