Staunton City Schools may layoff 40 to 45 employees come next school year to ease a $2.6 million budget shortfall.

Officials said they've made cuts in all other areas and are left with no other choice. The worst part is the budget could get even tighter.

School Board member Dr. Roderic Owen says, "There's been nothing like this in my lifetime. We've never encountered this kind of severe reduction in budgeting for our public schools in this community."

In a statement to the school board, parents, students, and community, Superintendent Steven Nichols says, "I feel in light of the present economic situation, I need to be very clear to all parties that the school division is facing some very serious financial issues, and all segments of the school division's budget are 'on the table.'"

Nichols proposes the schools eliminate pay raises, cut funds for substitute teachers, and shorten bus routes. However, even with all these cutbacks and layoffs, there may be more budget shortfalls from the state, and that may mean more employees laid off.

Owen says, "They will do all they can to put instructional positions towards the bottom, but this is serious."

While most classroom services aren't being altered, Owen says schools in Staunton will have to operate differently.

"I don't think they have any choice because we are required by law to have a balanced budget, but on the other hand, as you can see, there is a shortfall of $2.6 million," says Owen. "That's a huge percentage of the budget."

In the statement, Nichols reminded the School Board that none of his recommendations are "cut in stone," but they appear on the list for "discussion and evaluation" in light of a difficult financial situation.

The school board is set to review the plan and submit a final draft to the city council in March.