Hill City School Board directs administration to recommend program and position reductions

The Hill City School Board on Feb. 23 adopted a resolution directing the superintendent and administration to develop recommendations for program and position reductions to reduce district expenditures. The motion, introduced by Board Member Sarah Kingsley and seconded by Clerk Joell Miranda, passed 5-0 with one member absent.

The resolution states the board’s findings that the district’s financial condition and a reduction in student enrollment require “discontinuance of positions and discontinuance or curtailment of programs” and directs administration to identify which teachers’ contracts might not be renewed or which teachers may be placed on unrequested leave of absence. The board did not vote on specific layoffs or program eliminations at the meeting; instead it approved the resolution to create a process for recommendations back to the board. Sarah Kingsley introduced the resolution and Joell Miranda seconded the motion.

The board record includes formal language from the adopted resolution noting the district must “consider the discontinuance of programs or positions to effectuate economies in the school district and reduce expenditures.” Administration was directed to return to the board with specific recommendations. The board set no immediate effective dates; any recommended contract terminations or program discontinuances will be subject to future board action and the applicable contract and grievance procedures outlined in district policy.