Citing $43M shortfall, Albuquerque superintendent says 700 layoffs might be needed

Albuquerque schools: 700 layoffs may be needed

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque schools superintendent Winston Brooks says a $43 million budget shortfall is leading to severe cuts for next school year, including the possibility that 700 employees might be laid off.

In addition, the district wouldn’t fill about 500 empty positions, resulting in a cut of 1,200 employees — about 10 percent of the work force.

Employee salaries and benefits make up about 85 percent of the $655 million operational budget for Albuquerque Public Schools.

Under a proposal being considered by administrators and the school board, about a third of the employees who would lose their jobs are educational assistants.

Another third would come from administrative and support staff. The final third would be other school employees, including teachers.