http://66.225.205.104/LM20110105a.mp3
CMS Superintendent Peter Gorman plans to give an overview next week on how the district should cut $100 million from the district's budget. Usually Gorman presents his budget recommendation in April, but this year is different because cuts are expected to be so deep. Gorman says he doesn't see any way to get through next year without cutting teachers, administrators and central staff. He wants the board to make budget decisions involving magnet programs before the February 7 lottery deadline. "The problem is we have multiple timelines. Families have to make decisions on schools for next year before we know our budget," says Gorman. "The board is going to have to try to make decisions to help families out in a timely manner." To do that, Gorman says the board wants context, an idea of all potential cuts to the district's budget. Gorman will lay out his preliminary budget plan at next Tuesday's board meeting. In addition, the board could make decisions as soon as January 25th that involve weighted student staffing, the district's pre-k program for low-income kids called Bright Beginnings, and magnet transportation. CMS is holding its district-wide magnet fair Saturday morning at Phillip O Berry. Gorman says he doesn't plan to recommend getting rid of any other magnet programs, but he says there could be changes to programs, transportation and start-times.