OKCPS announces $10 million more in cuts
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma City Public Schools has announced $10 million in cuts as they work their way to $32 million in overall cuts.
Associate Superintendent Aurora Lora announced the cuts Tuesday. The district has previously cut over 200 teaching positions and 92 administrative positions.
Related:OKCPS to eliminate over 200 teaching positions
"Including today's announcement, we have cut around $23-million from our budget for next year, and we must still cut $7 million more." Lora said. ""These are tough decisions because there are many items we are cutting that are important to our students."
The cuts will come through the following methods:
- Revising school bell times for more efficient bus routes
- Delaying new textbook purchases
- Reducing school intercessions from 5-days to 3-days
- Eliminating funding for student testing (PSAT/SAT testing, AP & IB testing)
- Reducing elementary school supply budgets
- Shifting of eligible expenses between funds
- Delaying athletic equipment & uniform purchases
- Reducing adjunct coaching positions
- Reducing contracts with outside vendors
- Suspending non-federally funded travel
Lora said the district is evaluating where to cut the required additional $7 million. The cuts could be made through school consolidations, suspending school programs and staffing reductions.
Related: OKCPS announces 92 administrative positions to be cut
"The only remedy to the situation would be for the legislature to provide a permanent solution that ensures educational funding is sufficient for all students." Lora said.