by Madison White Franks
WEEMS—Two teaching positions will be eliminated as a result of recent actions to trim the Lancaster school budget for fiscal year 2018-19.
On April 23, Lancaster supervisors approved $16,667,149 for the schools, $191,890 less than requested by the school board. The total is $347,992 more than the current school budget, however.
Following a brief discussion at a special session April 26, the school board adjusted its proposed budget based on recommendations by superintendent Dr. Steven Parker.
He recommended removing a position from Lancaster Middle School (LMS) through attrition because of a decrease in student population.
“The current eighth grade class has 99 students and the rising fourth grade class has 74 students,” said Parker.
He also suggested eliminating the proposed alternative education position at LMS.
Removing these positions would equate to an estimated savings of $125,000, he said.
He also proposed adjusting raises for employees who have already indicated retirement plans and adjusting other employee salary increases from the previously proposed 3% to 2%. This would equate to an estimated savings of $67,000…