Colusa teacher layoffs avoided

Colusa schools will avoid laying off teachers when the doors open in August.

With state funding cuts to schools looming, the Colusa Unified School District board on Tuesday passed an $11.5 million budget for the 2008-09 school year without forcing out any instructors. The plan shaves about $700,000 from the previous budget as local schools prepare for smaller state education payouts as California faces a shortfall of more than $15 billion.

Four teachers will leave the district through retirement or resignation, according to Superintendent Larry Yeghoian. Athletics, building maintenance and transportation funds all will be reduced in the new school year.

While no Colusa teachers will be forced out immediately, district officials and board members warned last month their ability to keep up staffing will depend on new infusions of state revenue before the school year ends.

A key could be Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to plug $5 billion of the state deficit by issuing bonds backed by future lottery revenues. If California voters nix the plan, school districts could see state funds tightened further, possibly leading to midyear job cuts.

Contact reporter Howard Yune at 458-2121 or hyune@tcnpress.com.