More than 40 layoffs could be made this week by the Benton Harbor Board of Education. That’s after trustees held a special work session Monday and got details on Superintendent Dr. Shelly Walker’s proposed restructuring for next year. Walker says the layoffs are partly in response to a projected drop in enrollment. She said she’s trying to be optimistic with the enrollment projections, but noted Benton Harbor Area Schools saw enrollment drop by about 200 students in the past year.
“We also have to be conservative because we don’t want to overspend going into next year,” Walker said. “That would breach the consent agreement. We cannot end the school year in the red.”
School Board President Sharon James was present for Monday’s meeting, and continued to express opposition to the proposed cuts, which the board could approve Tuesday. Trustee Joseph Taylor said the district has to be prepared for whatever the future brings.
“It’s simple math,” Taylor told WSJM. “It’s forecasting. You’ve got to look at profit, and profit means more student count, and you’ve got to look at loss…We just have to be real about it, and do our due diligence to make sure this district stays viable.”
However, Taylor said he still hasn’t decided how he’ll vote on the layoffs. Walker said the cuts would amount to about $1.4 million in savings overall, although not all of that would be for the general fund. Also Monday, Walker noted district officials will meet with the Michigan Treasury Department on June 28 to discuss a $4.4 million emergency loan. If it’s not approved, the district won’t be able to make payroll on July 15.
