Class size increases have been a significant issue for Baltimore County's high schools this year. Nearly 200 teaching positions were cut from the high schools, even as administrative positions were left nearly untouched.
So when The Baltimore Sun learned that principals had been told last month what their staffing levels would be next year, a reporter asked the school system for the specifics.
The Sun wanted to know how many positions each high school would gain or lose next year.
Teaching staff at schools fluctuates depending on enrollment. Last year that enrollment fluction was factored into a major cut in teaching positions at the high schools and middle schools for budget reasons.
On Monday, the school system said 4.9 positions would be cut from the high schools overall, including 2 special education teachers. But the system said it would be "too preliminary to extract real numbers."
Phyllis Reese, a spokeswoman for the system, said principals do not make final staffing decisions until they have real numbers around August or September.
High schools are now deciding what courses to offer, what their school schedules will look like and how many teachers they will need in what subjects.
Also see:
-- Teachers union, board members question budget priorities for Baltimore County schools
-- Latest Balto. Co. schools budget would preserve teaching positions
