By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Facing a $1.3 million budget shortfall for the 2014-15 school year, the USD 489 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the resolutions for the non-renewal of  tenured teachers and non-tenured teachers at Monday’s school board meeting.

The passing of the resolutions mean 16 teachers most likely not be returning to teaching in the Hays district for the 2014-2015 school year. According to estimates, the staff cuts will save the district just less than $975,000.

The contracts that will not be renewed include two resignations, two tenured teachers and 12 non-tenured teachers.

“It’s unfortunate we have to make this decision. … It is a blow to the school district,” board member Josh Waddell. “As a member of the school board, I want to apologize.”

From a  crowd of more than 120 people at the meeting, someone shouted, “If you vote no, you don’t have to apologize.”

Board President Greg Schwartz and member James Leiker also offered their sympathies as well and said they would be looking at issues such a changes to transportation to decrease the $1.3 million shortfall the district is facing instead of cuts to more staff.

Schwartz also stressed the staff cuts are not “formal” and the status for some of the teachers could change,  but state law required the teachers be notified by May 16.

For a complete list of personnel transactions, click HERE.

Related story: List of positions proposed to be cut.