APS to Host Budget Meetings

The Atlanta Public Schools is holding a series of public meetings this month to discuss the proposed 2012-13 budget of $564.8 million.

The Board of Education, which gave preliminary approval on the proposed budget May 14, must give final approval at its June 4 meeting.

The district aims to close a $47 million shortfall by axing 475 jobs — including teachers — closing seven schools, reorganizing departments and dropping those adminstrators and classroom instructors involved in the cheating scandal under the watch of former schools superintendent Beverly Hall.

Other initiatives the district says will reduce costs include:

• Outsourcing the janitorial work.
• Imposing a 10 percent cut in all major divisions and departments except Curriculum & Instruction.
• Reducing transportation special trips.
• Reducing student administrative transfers.
• Selectively increasing class sizes though remaining within state set limits.

The meetings, which all start at 6 p.m. are scheduled for:

• May 17 — Garden Hills Elementary School, 285 Sheridan Dr. NE
  
• May 22 — Slater Elementary School, 1320 Pryor Rd. SW
  
• May 24 — Peyton Forest Elementary School, 301 Peyton Rd. SW

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