St. Vrain schools to slash 85 jobs

Daily Camera

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The St. Vrain Valley School District said Wednesday that it will reduce its staff by 85 full-time positions in the 2008-09 school year - affecting numerous schools in and around Longmont and unincorporated Boulder County, according to district spokesman John Poynton.

The layoffs "will ensure the district maintains a balanced budget," Poynton said in a news release.

Superintendent Randy Zila sent a letter to his staff Tuesday night, warning them of the reductions. In it, Zila wrote, "As all of us are acutely aware, cost increases in energy, health care and compensation are impacting large and small businesses across our nation. Our school district is no exception."

Other, more local and district-specific factors, also have contributed to the budget woes, Zila said.

School principals and department directors have started telling staff members about the reductions - some schools could lose eight or more full-time positions, according to the news release.

Cuts also could further reduce or eliminate some school programs, and many classrooms will see an increase in their student-to-teacher ratios, district officials said.

The St. Vrain Valley district is Colorado's 10th largest, serving 24,000 students in Longmont, Lyons, Niwot, Hygiene, Dacono, Firestone, Frederick, Mead, Peaceful Valley, Raymond and other portions of Boulder and Broomfield counties.