School District May Cut 32 Jobs to Meet Funding Shortfall

Thirty-two Glendale Unified School District jobs would be cut to meet a projected $2.1-million deficit under a plan announced Tuesday by Supt. Robert A. Sanchis.

Sanchis said California’s bleak budget outlook forced the district to propose the cuts, which he said attempt to avoid a major impact on classrooms.

The proposed cuts, however, would consist of 7 teaching, 12 custodial, 3 maintenance and 10 other positions. If made, the cuts would mean larger classes and reduced facility services, Sanchis said.

The proposal recommends teaching positions be reduced through attrition--that the district not hire new teachers to replace those retiring. The proposed 1991-92 budget is $100 million.

“When these cuts are implemented, 90% of our budget will be spent on personnel,” Sanchis said. “Usually, we are between 80% and 85%, but if we don’t do this, we’ll have to cut from the classroom.”

The severest cuts under the plan include $154,300 from the district’s at-risk youth program, which provides special classes for potential dropouts. Other cuts include $48,459 from the district’s audiovisual program, $40,000 from testing and evaluation services, and $23,500 from secondary music education.

Frustrated school board members questioned the wisdom of weakening a program designed to help potential dropouts stay in school.

Sharon Beauchamp, who was reelected April 2 for a fourth term on the board and was appointed to head the at-risk program Tuesday, said she would like the district to re-evaluate cutting the “critically needed program.”

Sanchis said the district will continue to study alternatives to the cuts and emphasized that the proposal will not be finalized until June.

Board members were unanimous in their anger over the necessity of reducing services.

“I get very annoyed and almost ill when money is taken away from the students like this,” board member Jane Whitaker said.

“Very soon, the whole state education system will fall flat on its face.”