March 11, 201
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

COLORADO’S K-12 CUTS FORCE DEEP JEFFCO REDUCTIONS
The president of the Jefferson County Board of Education announced today that because of the state’s budget crisis, the district will cut nearly $40 million from its 2011-12 budget.  The cuts include the proposed closure of two schools, a three percent loss of compensation for all employees and the suspension of outdoor lab for sixth-graders.

The list of proposed cuts was developed after an historic employee summit held last weekend.  Participants included two representatives each from the Jefferson County Board of Education, the Jefferson County Education Association, the Classified School Employee Association, the Jefferson County Administrators Association and district leadership. The summit was facilitated by a federal mediator.

The list of proposed reductions includes:

  • A three percent loss of compensation for all employees, resulting in a four-work-day reduction and two student-contact furlough days.
  • The closure of Martensen and Zerger elementary schools. 
  • A loss of 212 jobs throughout the district, including teachers, administrators and support staff.
  • Moving Long View High School staff and students to McLain High School
  • Higher athletic fees
  • Transportation fees
  • The suspension of the outdoor lab experience for Jeffco sixth-graders at Mt. Evans and Windy Peak

"We recognize that some of these recommendations will be difficult for our community, but they are the right decisions during tough economic times.  The employee summit demonstrated bold leadership on the part of our employee associations, our board and our district administration,” said Board of Education President Dave Thomas. 

“Our staff is absorbing the brunt of the reductions with the loss of jobs and the loss of compensation in order to have the least impact on our students and the quality of education they are receiving,” said Jeffco Superintendent Dr. Cindy Stevenson.

To view the proposed reductions visit: www.jeffcopublicschools.org

Provide feedback to the school district regarding the proposed budget cuts by completing this form or attending a public meeting.

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