WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - It's day 3 of the Legislature's special session and there's till no budget agreement to report. It's left school systems in the lurch as they try to plan their budgets.
The South Whidbey School District is one of those districts waiting to see what cuts they may have to make.
"We are already planning reductions," said Dr. Fred McCarthy, Superintendent of South Whidbey Schools. "We
are hopeful the legislature will provide enough money, but layoffs may still be imminent."
The district was forced to cut 11 percent of its budget last year. This year it is expected to do the same.
South Whidbey has already cut nearly 20 positions including several teachers.
Governor Chris Gregoire called a special session to solve the state's budget problem. That includes creating a school funding formula that will determine how much money districts will receive. That dollar amount could force big budget cuts in local school districts like South Whidbey.
State law requires school districts to provide layoff notices by April 15.
Parents worry that deep cuts could compromise their child's education and class size.
"This is getting ridiculous," said parent Teresa Brewer. "Teachers need to be employed. We actually need more teachers in some cases. The whole thing has snowballed into a big mess,"
The special legislative session is expected to last a few more weeks.
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