Budget problems for Colon schools

Members of the Colon Community Schools Board of Education are mulling a number of options in an effort to trim as much as $500,000 from the district’s $5.7 million budget.

The board, which met Monday before a standing-room-only audience in excess of 80 people, is considering options that include the privatization of its transportation services, the elimination of up to three teachers, and an administrative reorganization that could see the loss of high school principal Deb Swartz and elementary principal Mitch Miller.

Colon’s first-year Superintendent Vic Bugni said every potential scenario discussed so far has only been a proposal.

Board members fielded comments from 16 people over a one-hour period. Nearly half of the audience consisted of Colon High School students who voiced their support and appreciation for Swartz.

The 608-student district has a roster of about 44 teachers. Board members project its student population to dip into the 580 range in two years.

The board has set a budget workshop for 6:30 p.m. April 13 at Colon High School to take a final look at its options before making any personnel decisions.