Looming budget cuts in the Middletown School District could soon cause some major changes, including putting school activities, jobs and even an elementary school on the chopping block.

 

The district is short more than $5 million in next year's $160 million budget, and officials are now faced with some tough decisions to balance the budget.

Truman Moon Parent Teacher Organization President Samantha Figueroa says students and staff in the close-knit elementary school are bracing for the worst after word from the Middletown district that the school could soon be closed.

The aging elementary school is the smallest of four in the district, and is considered the last neighborhood school standing.

District administrators say shutting down the school would bring big savings.

There are 33 teacher positions on the chopping block, along with three administrators, after-school activities and K-8 summer school.

District Superintendent Ken Eastwood blames the shortfall on unfunded state mandates, but Figueroa says Eastwood's salary is part of the problem.

If the district's plans pan out, Truman Moon will shut its doors for good this summer.

The decision could be made next week, when the board is expected to vote on the budget.