Northwest ISD, a school district serving 14 cities in Tarrant, Denton, and Wise counties, has made the decision to cut staffing in order to address budget shortfalls. The approved plan includes not hiring new full-time staff at the elementary level and reducing about 60 full-time positions at the middle and high school levels, saving the district approximately $5.7 million. Additionally, there will be a 15% decrease in staffing for athletics and fine arts, saving an additional $1.1 million. The district hopes the decrease in staffing will come through resignations and retirements, but layoffs are not ruled out.
The district also plans to cut several programs, including AVID, a college preparation program for first-generation college students. Class sizes will increase, with grades 2-4 moving to 24 students per class and middle and high schools increasing to 180 students per teacher per day. The district will also explore other cost-saving measures such as reducing the number of middle school field trips and cutting campus budgets.
The decision has not been easy for students and parents, with many expressing shock and emotion over the changes. However, the district aims to have all reassignments and reallocations completed by April 7. The information in this article was obtained from Northwest ISD and a recent school board meeting.
While the changes may be difficult for some, the district is taking steps to address its budget deficit and ensure financial stability in the future.
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