Metro Schools Avoid Layoffs, but $4M more in cuts expected

Metro schools avoid layoffs, but $4M more in cuts expected (Tennessean/Sarrio)
Shortfall could mean loss of jobs next go-round Metro schools will trim $3 million from its budget by freezing job openings, cutting money for band uniforms and tightening the belt on travel and spending. But board members say it won't be enough to plug the $12 million shortfall caused by slow sales tax collections. An additional $4 million probably will have to be cut from the $622.7 million budget in January, and that could mean layoffs, something officials were able to avoid this time around. "We're not having to lay anybody off and that's a great thing," said board member Steve Glover, chairman of the budget and finance committee. "At some point, if we have to keep reducing the budget, we're going to get into existing positions."
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20081216/NEWS04/812160358