SHAWANO, Wis. (NBC 26) — The Shawano School District is considering a potential building closure and the option to discontinue staff contracts with a $2 million budget shortfall moving into the next year.
"I do not understand why you would cut people before you know who is retiring," parent and permanent substitute teacher Megan Pyatskowit said.
On Monday night, dozens of parents and staff members like Pyatskowit took to the district's board meeting to express their concerns.
"What we're looking to cut — whether it's programs, staff, teachers, buildings — it seems rushed because not every possible avenue has been explored," she said.
"When you have declining numbers and no revenue increase, that leads to a challenging situation," school board president Michael Sleeper said. "We're right at a $2 million budget deficit for the next year."
According to Sleeper, there are teachers who will receive contract non-renewal notices this week. Districts are required by the DPI to notify staff no later than April 30.
"Part of our thinking is that it's the right thing to do, to do it sooner than later to allow those individuals then the opportunity to take the best advantage of the hiring period in other districts," Sleeper said.
He says no decision has been made yet to close a district building due to the budget shortfall, but it is part of the conversation. Sleeper mentions student population is projected to drop over the next three to five years.
"It's a simple matter of trying to get our facilities utilized at a more optimal level," he said.
Parents and staff members proposed the idea of an operating referendum to gain more funds for the district.
"I hear constantly of different teachers who are leaving, either because this school district continues to not provide for them the support that they need, or because they are fearful that eventually their position will be removed so in their minds it is better to find a new one before they are kicked out," substitute teacher and former student Alexandra McKinnies said.
