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Education

San Diego School Principals Wield Budget Ax

San Diego School Principals Wield Budget Ax
San Diego City schools could layoff more than 1,300 employees, including 500 teachers. That’s based on the district’s “worst case budget scenario” which the school board will consider approving on Thursday.

San Diego City schools could layoff more than 1,300 employees, including 500 teachers. That’s based on the district’s “worst case budget scenario” which the school board will consider approving on Thursday.

This is the second year San Diego principals are in charge of their school’s financial destinies. It is part of the district’s approach of giving its 200 school sites more power over budgets and reforms.

Principals have been busy crunching numbers to find out what they absolutely must need to keep their doors open.

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The cost-cutting plans will be factored into district’s overall "worst case budget scenario."

A "best case budget scenario" will also be presented, but it hinges on a successful special election in June. Voters will be asked to extend state tax initiatives for five years, which will help protect education funding.

It is not known when the district will pull the trigger on making cuts.

The state requires public-school districts to submit their budgets and send layoff notices before the June election.

San Diego, however, may defy that deadline and make cuts once they have the special-election results.

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San Diego Unified’s projected deficit could be up to $120 million. The district’s current operating budget is $1.1 billion.