Sand Springs Schools To Cut Jobs Due To Budget Cuts

Stephen Clopton, a father of three, attended the Sandites' parent meeting because all of his young sons attend Sand Springs Schools and he's heard a lot about budget cuts.

"It's a bad situation, very bad situation,” stated Clopton.

Dozens of Sandite parents like Clopton filed in to hear the district's plans.

School leaders say there will be cuts and the district will feel them.

"We're going to feel it; we're going to feel the pain,” said incoming Superintendent Sherry Durkee.

We're talking about fewer people, so you know, potentially less football coaches on the sideline. Potentially higher class sizes, particularly elementary level."

Sand Springs Schools has been operating on a Fund Balance, kind of like a rainy day fund. That's gotten them through the school year, but it's gone. Now, the schools have to figure out how to cut $1.6 million for next year.

The district will cut up to 30 jobs, mostly administrators, paraprofessionals and teachers who are eligible for retirement.

"It's just at this point unavoidable,” explained Durkee. “Hate it, but it's unavoidable."

"It's going to be our future,” added Clopton. “If we can't invest into our future, what are we investing into?"

The district says it will also look at maintenance and transportation cuts as well.