KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Hickman Mills School board delayed a vote to cut $5.5 million from its budget, possibly closing multiple schools.
Last week an outside consultant made recommendations the Hickman Mills School District leaders about how to cut $5.5 million from the budget.
An error with tax revenue estimates from Jackson County played a role in the district being forced to make cuts. Also, the school board is hoping to create a 15 percent fund balance which has also aided to the need for cuts.
The recommendations made to the district is to close four elementary schools, consolidate the 6th grade school with the middle school and consolidate the 9th grade school with Ruskin High School.
"The very people that we want right now, should be concentrating on working with our students so we can have another year of excellent test scores, so we can be fully accredited next year instead of sending out resumes,” said former Kansas City councilman John Sharp.
Thursday dozens of parents came to get an update on the options before the school board.
"It is a very sensitive matter and we are not taking it lightly. We don’t want to make any decision that is going to disrupt this community,” said Hickman Mills school board member Carol Graves.
One teacher spoke to board members Thursday saying they need ample time to be informed if layoffs will happen.
The district leadership says no decisions will be made until March 7.
To see the recommendations, click here.
