Youngstown City Schools announce budget cuts and layoffs

The Youngstown City School District plans to announce further details regarding budget cuts and layoffs, following a looming deficit in the district.

In a press release, the district stated Youngstown Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor and Board President Juanita Walker plan to "enhance the budgeting process" and "develop a strategic staffing plan" regarding the reduction of personal and budget alignment work.

The district projects that cuts and layoffs will reduce expenditures by $3.5-4 million. The district does not plan to lay off any teaching positions. 

21 News was present at Tuesday's school board meeting where the board did not reveal further plans to the crowd.

Juanita Walker told 21 News the 20 non-teaching employee contracts that were not renewed during Tuesday's meeting are not intended to reduce employees.

Batchelor and Walker agree a reduction of positions is "necessary." Through the remainder of the school year, the district plans to notify certain individuals in either administrative or support positions whose contracts are expiring and will not be renewed.

This comes as the YEA and the school board agreed on a 2-year contract last week.

21 News reached out to YEA President Eric Teutsch and Communications Director Stacy Quinones for further comment.