Prince George's Budget To Cut Up To 700 Teachers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- The Prince George's County school board has approved a $1.6 billion budget that will cut as many as 700 teaching positions next year.

The budget approved after midnight Tuesday represents a 2 percent decrease in funding from last year. The school system has been slashing costs since 2008 due to declining property values and enrollment.

In that time, more than 3,000 jobs have been cut. About half were teaching jobs.

Under the proposed budget for next year, class sizes would increase by about one student in most grades. The schools also would lose about 100 librarian positions. Early education programs will be reduced to a half day, and high school students will pay a $50 athletic fee.

Officials are offering a retirement package to ease the cuts.

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