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Byrd-Bennett Says School Budget Is Educational Homicide

Cleveland Schools CEO Breaks Down Explaining Cuts To Parents

UPDATED: 10:00 am EDT April 14, 2004

Facing a $100 million deficit, Cleveland Municipal CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett says there will be no new textbooks, no sports programs and no clubs next year for Cleveland schools.

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Byrd-Bennett says the state is cutting funding even more than expected.

"As a result of the incredible slashes from the state. I received this evening additional slashes from the governor's office. I think we are facing the unimaginable," she said.

Byrd-Bennett broke down as NewsChannel5 cameras were rolling. The station was the only one to attend last night's school board meeting.

She actually broke down when she had to tell parents about the huge cuts to next year's budget.

It's all because the state isn't handing out as much money as they thought.

"So again, I emphasize this presentation is not without incredible emotion at what continues to be educational homicide against our children," Byrd-Bennett said.

The proposed cuts include the elimination of summer school and new textbooks next year, NewsChannel5 reported.

And in an effort to cut the pay to coaches, there's a chance the district will get rid of football, baseball and softball.

Other after-school activities on the chopping block include the drama and chess clubs.

The school board told NewsChannel5 they may be forced to get rid of nearly 1,500 workers like teachers, school security and bus drivers.

Board members will talk about those layoffs Tuesday night.

The Cleveland schools are $100 million in the red. They are hoping an operating levy on the November ballot will help stop at least some of the cuts.

Byrd-Bennett also said in her six years as CEO of Cleveland schools and the more than 30 years in education, she's never seen a crisis like this.



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