BURLINGTON, Vt. -
There's a large increase in the number of students at the Burlington School District but with that and a few other factors, it'll mean slashing costs and cutting back.
It could be as many as 20 full time positions cut. Many teachers and faculty members gathered Monday night for the second of three public meetings on the proposed budget cuts.
The board always has to balance the needs of the school with the capacity of the district community to pay for what the school needs," said Jeanne Collins, Burlington School Superintendent.
Collins says cuts to positions are never easy choices to make, especially when the district is expected to grow, "Our class sizes are already larger than many classrooms around the county and around the state."
By 2014, the Burlington School District will see increase in students of 125 percent.
"Our kindergarten classes are 20-22 (kids) and the state average is 16."
One of the those jobs that could be cut, family consumer science teacher, Ginger Farineau, is anxiously awaiting the decision, knowing her job is on the line.
"I was almost in disbelief at first but I guess it's reality," said Farineau.
After 14 years at the district she hopes the board will see how important social sciences classes are.
"I think that my class and other exploratory classes only compliment core classes and help their academics in the long run, so I really hope they can see the big picture," said Farineau.
