SAN ANTONIO – Parents of the South San Antonio Independent School District may need to pull more money out of their pockets for their children’s supplies, as schools will be working with less money for extras this year.
The failure of the South San ISD tax ratification election, or TRE, means school leaders will have to trim a slim budget to make up about $3.5 million in next year’s budget deficit.
Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra said there will be job and program cuts.
About 10 to 15 positions will be eliminated, some of which are not currently filled. Those include teachers, teacher’s aides, nurses and clerical positions at the district office level.
Saavedra is asking for a 10 percent reduction on non-personnel budgets. This includes money for professional development, supplies, light bills, field trips and athletics.
Programs such as Learn to Swim and Communities in School are on the list to possibly be cut.
The school district projected a reduction of 500 students, but that number might be closer to about 350, Saavedra said.
There will also be no salary increases.
With the cuts and the use of $1.4 million from the fund balance, Saavedra expects to balance the budget.
Saavedra said the school board should consider another tax ratification election in May.
The list of recommended cuts will be revealed during the budget meeting Wednesday. The board must pass the budget by Aug. 31.
The district is currently looking for a new superintendent.