Linn-Mar highlights major budget cuts as Iowa lawmakers delay school funding decisions
The Linn-Mar School District in Marion, Iowa, has confirmed the necessity of cutting 50 full-time staff positions for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year due to financial constraints. Despite implementing $3 million in cuts during the current school year, an additional $2.5 million reduction is deemed essential for the next fiscal year. Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer expressed the district’s commitment to managing financial challenges while minimizing the impact on educational quality. Factors contributing to the shortfall include expiring COVID-19 relief funds, inadequate state funding, and declining enrollment. The district has undertaken various cost-saving measures, including early separation incentives and staff surveys. However, due to the substantial portion of the budget allocated to salaries and benefits, staffing reductions are unavoidable. Specifically, 19 full-time teaching positions and 31 full-time classified staff positions will be affected. Kortemeyer highlights the community’s support for local schools and emphasizes the importance of advocating for sufficient public school funding. The district aims to mitigate the impact on students while addressing the budget deficit.
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