Dallas News.com

Writer: Jessica Meyers

Plano ISD, unable to escape the grim budget reality plaguing Texas districts, will begin laying off employees.

Deputy Superintendent Danny Modisette did not indicate the number of expected layoffs but said the district would save $1.4 million a year.

The school board approved the district’s proposal at Tuesday night’s board meeting.

The cuts, which will include filled and vacant positions, will affect support staff members ranging from clerical workers to administrative leaders.

The reductions, which will go into effect next school year, do not threaten teacher positions yet, though officials warned of future reductions.

The district faces at least $10 million in cuts next year, even without factoring in drastically shrinking funds from the state.

The Plano Independent School District’s payroll costs make up more than 80 percent of its budget. The district has hit its state-mandated cap and cannot increase the tax rate without voter approval.

“Unfortunately, our backs are against the wall; we have no other options,” board member Missy Bender said. “This is the tip of the iceberg in our community and our state.”

The district eliminated about 29 librarian assistant spots in 2009 and decreased central-office positions. It also increased class sizes in areas such as music and the arts, which reduced the number of teachers needed.

Plano schools last implemented significant reductions during the 2003-04 school year, when the district cut hundreds of jobs through early retirement incentive and terminations.

Superintendent Doug Otto said the struggles are playing out across Texas.

“Every district is going through this,” he said. “We’re getting to see what the [state’s] $27 billion shortfall looks like, literally.”