Savannah-Chatham Schools to Cut 150 Jobs

The economy isn't just affecting private businesses. Savannah-Chatham Schools are also feeling the pinch.

District leaders say they're having to make tough decisions with this year's budget. After one round of job cuts this week, more will be coming.

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is dealing with a $28 million budget shortfall, and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Lockamy says that means making some tough choices, including cutting 150 positions by the June 3 board meeting.

But he says they've tried to minimize the impact in the classroom.

"We will staff the classroom on the same formula as we have in the past. That is funded through the state. What positions have been impacted are positions that were outside mostly of the classroom. Very important positions, but positions that didn't directly impact the teaching of a child, day to day, hour by hour," says Lockamy.

But the Savannah Federation of Teachers says spending could be cut in other areas to save these jobs.

"300+ thousand dollars for a consultant? I can see it if having a consultant in the district is making a difference in the system. Test scores are still the same. We've still go the same problems," says Alfreda Goldwire, president of the Savannah Federation of Teachers.

Lockamy says there will be no pay raises, and he's trying to avoid pay cuts.

"One district took 10 percent cuts across the board. Some states have even taken furloughs, 10-20 day furloughs for everybody, so we're fortunate here that we're not having to do that," he says.

But others believe these measures are not enough.

"They're not cutting the budget I don't think where it needs to be cut. their salaries will not be affected trust me. I mean they're not getting a raise but my god, they're already making six figures plus... Why can't some of them take a rollback in their salaries so that other people can retain their jobs?" asks Goldwire.

Twenty-three job cuts were announced Wednesday. Those were certified employees with contracts who by law had to be notified by Friday. That number included some administrators and graduation coaches.

The rest of the cuts will be announced by the next board meeting on June 3.