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The American Association of School Administrators estimates 275,000 jobs will be cut next year nationwide. Many districts are tightening their budgets at the high school level, known for having the highest costs.
LISD is no exception to the trend, eliminating 90 professional jobs and 50 other positions across all campuses.
Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Berhl Robertson says high schools aren't alone on the chopping block.
"Any position that comes open, we're asking our people to justify why they need those positions and if they are well justified we can eliminate those," he said. "We've cut core areas, we've cut in extra curricular, pretty much every area - elementary, middle school and high school."
According to an AASA survey, 52 percent of administrators across the country plan to cut extra curriculars at the high school level and electives are in the same boat.
Robertson says LISD is saving two million dollars by relocating Head Start centers and trying to stretch the remaining stimulus money.
"We're trying to staff as efficiently as we can for next school year," he said.
High Schools in LISD are also moving to block scheduling to shave costs, reducing the number of classes to staff.
"Class sizes will go up some, but not anything out of the ordinary," Robertson said.
Federal stimulus money accounts for point 5 percent of LISD's total budget. There's no guarantee lawmakers will fill any of the coming shortfall.
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