Preliminary data show most Keizer schools are slated to lose teachers next year, as the Salem-Keizer School District expects to cut 130 jobs across its 65 schools. 

Data recently obtained by Keizertimes shows most Keizer schools are currently slated to lose one or two teachers, while McNary could lose up to six. 

Because staffing decisions are determined by enrollment, district officials said the numbers could shift as students enroll in school for next year.

Declining enrollment is driving the district’s plan to cut $23 million from next year’s budget. Under the February proposal, this would include $14 million from cutting 60 teaching jobs and 60 classified positions.

According to an April 2 announcement, the district intends to avoid laying off teachers by cutting positions that are already vacant and transferring teachers to other schools. The announcement said most classified staff positions could be cut without layoffs, but up to five people are expected to lose their jobs. 

Keizer has one high school, two middle schools and seven elementary schools. Communications director Aaron Harada previously said Keizer schools are projected to lose 300 elementary students in the next five years, and 360 middle and high school students.  

Reports show the district expects to lose 1,000 students next year. 

Superintendent Andrea ​​Castañeda has said school principals were tasked with determining what to cut based on their school’s forecasted enrollment. 

Recent data shows McNary is expected to lose the most teachers, cutting the equivalent of 5.66 full-time teachers from its current teaching staff of 72. 

Cummings, Keizer and Kennedy Elementary Schools are each expected to lose two teachers next year. Cummings and Kennedy currently have 15 teachers and Keizer has 24.

Gubser Elementary School, currently employing 15 teachers, and Weddle Elementary School, employing 13 teachers, are each projected to lose one teacher.

No cuts are expected at Clear Lake Elementary School, which has 11 teachers, and Forest Ridge Elementary School, with eight teachers.

To improve literacy instruction at elementary schools, the district aims to reduce classrooms with a mix of students from different grade levels. The priority is to separate classes that now blend kindergarten and first grade students.

Harada said 18 elementary schools are expected to lose teachers, 13 are planned to gain a teacher and 12 are slated to have no change. 

Claggett Creek Middle School, which has the equivalent of 31 full-time teaching staff, is expected to lose the equivalent of 1.7 full-time teachers. Whiteaker Middle School, which has the equivalent of 24 full-time teachers, is expected to lose the equivalent of one. 

In a statement, Harada said the district provided school principals with preliminary staffing numbers for their schools. Principals were then tasked with ensuring those numbers would work for their schools.

School staffing is based on the target ratios of students to staff, Harada said.

Middle and high schools will need to reduce course offerings or offer fewer sessions of a particular class, Harada said. He wrote that courses required for graduation were prioritized. Student interest in courses was also considered.

NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].

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