PHOENIX -- Governor Jan Brewer says that cuts to education are likely despite her efforts to protect K-12 programs.
In an interview with National Public Radio, Brewer says that the cuts would be devastating but there may not be anywhere else to turn considering the state’s now $2 billion mid-year shortfall.
She is calling for a special session.
The shortfall has Valley school districts uncertain of the future.
“We don’t know if it is going to be a little, a lot or a whole lot,” said Kathy Bariese, spokesperson for Mesa Public Schools, the largest district in Arizona.
Bariese says they are focusing their efforts on cutting in ways that do not affect the classroom
Arizona Education Association President John Wright says he expects to see many teacher layoffs in this school year because of the growing budget crisis.
He says while teachers are under contracts there are provisions that allow for salary cuts and even job losses.
“School districts will have to make tough adjustments,” he said. “The real tragedy is that school children will have to cope with those adjustments.”
As an additional concern, some 89 school districts statewide are holding override elections on November 3, asking taxpayers for more money or asking them to maintain current spending levels.
A loss of an override for a district, Wright explains, would be devastating.
