SUTTONS BAY -- A projected budget deficit forced Suttons Bay Public Schools officials to lay off, reduce hours or displace positions for 30 employees.
The mood was somber yet optimistic as the school board approved the cuts on Monday.
"We still have all the pieces of a great curriculum in place," board member David Buffum said.
Administrators avoided a deficit of about $1 million brought on by a decrease in federal aid, declining enrollment and increasing energy costs.
Staff cuts include:
-- 10 teaching staff members laid off
-- Six teaching staff members with reduced hours
-- Nine support employees cut
-- Three support employees with reduced hours
-- Two positions reassigned
Eliminated and reduced positions include classroom teachers, a guidance counselor, recess monitors, a librarian, a receptionist and
others.
"In spite of all these cuts, we still have something tremendous to offer to our community," Superintendent Mike Murray said, pointing to services such as the gifted and talented program and infant and toddler care.
Elementary teacher Michelle Couturier said she was pleased with the way things were handled, but it's still a difficult situation.
"It's not easy to see my colleagues pink-slipped," she said as she fought back tears.
School officials plan to continue working with the federal government to increase aid and also hope to boost enrollment, a figure projected at 875 full-time equated students.
Bingham Township resident Mary Woods has four children in the district and kept a positive attitude.
"It's going to be a tighter belt, but we're OK," she said. "We're going to get through this."
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