Oklahoma City Public Schools announced Wednesday it will cut 208 teaching positions next year. District officials are attributing the move to what they're calling a catastrophic budget crisis.
Superintendent Rob Neu says he's not sure which teachers will be affected just yet.
"It is my hope that all 208 will be through natural attrition, whether it be retirement, or people leaving the profession, or transferring," Neu said.
Release regarding staff adjustments 2016-2017. 1st in series of expected cuts, $22-million more in savings to come. pic.twitter.com/9NoLRpyUxw
— OKC Public Schools (@OKCPS) March 23, 2016
He says these cuts will cause class sizes to grow, and course offerings to be slashed. More cuts are coming, too.
Two state revenue failures, and a looming budget shortfall-caused the district to reduce its budget by $30 million over this year and next. These staff cuts will save just $8 million.
Neu says other than this, nothing is really safe-including administration. He says the district is also considering shortening the school year next year.
Watch Neu discuss the budget cuts with reporters in this NewsOK video