Richland Schools Cut 1.8M From General Fund

RAYVILLE, La. (AP) — Richland Parish School Board members have cut $1.8 million from the district's $20 million 2012-13 general fund budget.

The News-Star reports the board approved recommendations from the finance committee with a vote of 5-3 Wednesday night.

Board members approved 16 cuts that include consolidating bus routes, cutting teacher supply money, eliminating vacant positions and suspending sabbatical and extended sick leave along with suspending textbook purchases.

Under the plan, the district will lose about 13 teaching positions; one at each of 11 schools plus two teacher positions which were added to last year's budget to decrease class size at two of the district's lower performing schools.