Governor Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget makes $300 million cuts to public school education.
For Wrangell, that could mean a roughly $1 million cut to the school district.
The governor also proposed cutting $20 million that was already promised to schools for this year. Wrangell schools would take a $57,000 hit.
The district is working on its 2020 budget right now, and it’s planning for the worst.
That means deep cuts to supplies, travel, and professional development. The high school had planned to get new bleachers; that won’t be happening anytime soon.
Superintendent Debbe Lancaster would take on the role of special education director, saving $80,000 to the district.
The district is also looking for more competitive health insurance packages.
Financial Director Georgianna Buhler says cuts to teachers and staff are a last resort. The draft budget includes no cuts to full-time jobs now.
Board members floated some creative solutions. One being parent-funded sports programs. Another, a four-day school week. In theory it could cut 20 percent of operation costs.
