Tucson school district facing tough choices
Jun 9, 2012, 8:48 AM | Updated: 10:25 am
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Tucson Unified School District says it’s once
again being forced to consider closing more schools because of what it
calls an “alarming” financial outlook.
The Arizona Daily Star
reports that the school closure option is being considered for
the 2013-2014 school year as enrollment and state funding continue to
decline.
Other options include salary cuts, layoffs and increases in class sizes.
For the upcoming school year, the district will be facing an estimated $18
million shortfall. A similar shortfall is projected for the 2013-2014 school
year.
The district has been losing about 1,500 students each year on average
during the last several years.
Officials attribute the loss to fewer children living in the district, charter
schools, changes in immigration policy and the economic downturn.
The school board is set to discuss the options at a June 26 meeting.
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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.