Linn-Mar School District Announces Staff Cuts for 2024/2025 School Year

The Linn-Mar School District in Marion, Iowa, has confirmed significant staff cuts for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year. The district revealed that a total of 50 full-time positions, comprising 19 teaching roles and 31 classified staff positions, will be eliminated as part of the necessary budget reductions.

Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer expressed the district’s commitment to managing financial challenges while striving to maintain the educational quality for students and families. Despite already making $3 million in cuts this year, an additional $2.5 million reduction is required for the next academic year.

The budget constraints stem from multiple factors including the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds, lower state funding, and a decline in student enrollment. Kortemeyer highlighted the importance of balancing the budget without compromising the educational experience provided to students.

In a letter addressed to district families and staff, Kortemeyer detailed the measures taken to address the shortfall, such as cost-saving initiatives and surveys to gauge staff intentions. With staffing costs representing a significant portion of the budget, the decision to cut 19 teaching positions and 31 classified staff roles was deemed necessary.

Impacted staff members have been notified, and the district anticipates a potential return to pre-pandemic class sizes as a result of the reductions. Acknowledging the challenging nature of these decisions, Kortemeyer emphasized the community’s consistent support for the school district and its dedication to providing a quality education amidst financial constraints.