“USD 383 will let 17 teachers and one administrator know that the district intends not to renew their contracts for the 2015-16 school year…At least some of the nonrenewals are attributable to budget cuts. USD 383 officials are trying to figure out what can be kept and what can go as the board decides on cutting between $2 million and $4 million from the district’s budget.

“The teachers receiving nonrenewal notices are Erin Allen, a Bergman Elementary kindergarten teacher; Alison Anderson, a fourth-grade physical education teacher at Bluemont Elementary; Carol Bachofer, a gifted education facilitator; Tom Brosius, a Manhattan High School health teacher; Debra Carr, an Eisenhower Middle School computers teacher; Sarah Cruz, a Marlatt Elementary math enrichment teacher; Christine Duplessis, French teacher; Jordan Engleman, a Manhattan High P.E. teacher; Bev Fink, a Manhattan High School counselor; Tarryn Ford, a Bluemont Elementary math enrichment teacher; Samuel Lehrman, a high school U.S. history and global affairs teacher; Kate Moore, a high school gifted education facilitator; TeAndra Rhone, a Marlatt Elementary fourth-grade teacher; Ryan Small, a middle school boys P.E. teacher; Sara Stecki, an Eisenhower Middle School special education teacher; and Joseph Worden, an Eisenhower Middle School technology teacher.

“Math enrichment teacher Claire Valadez, was also on the list, but had already resigned…

“District officials have said the cuts are necessary because of an anticipated $1 million increase for health insurance premiums next year for previously uncovered employees; a loss of nearly $600,000 in state aid for the local option budget this year as well as for the next two years under the block grant; a possible rise in insurance premiums and energy costs; and uncertainties with state funding.”

Read more here: http://manhattanmercury.ks.newsmemory.com/…