The Mitchell School Board discussed looming budget issues and cost containment strategies, including ending the Mass Customized Learning program at the middle school during its meeting Monday. Superintendent Joe Childs told the board district enrollment has dropped by 160 students over the last two years. “So we’re making adjustments now through natural attrition, so that we don’t have to force resignations,” he said.
Plus MCL enrollment has been waning. “We had 14 7th graders in it and 26th graders in the program this current school year,” said Childs. “But in addition to that we had two teachers that we knew would be leaving this school year that are part of that.”
Childs says the district can absorb that FTE with existing programs. “We’re going to have to start doing some things to save our deficit spending now, or we’re going to be making some incredibly difficult decisions in the future,” Childs warned.
He says he’s discussed ending the program with parents in a recent meeting at the middle school as well as privately.