CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH (WOIO)- Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board Members have approved the reduction of 24 support staff positions and 10 administrative positions. 

"While 24 classified positions were eliminated, only 11 people will actually leave this organization as a result of a reduction in force. This is in part due to positions opening, contractual bumping, and retirements," stated Douglas Heuer, Cleveland Heights-University Heights superintendent.

 With regard to administrators, a 15 day notification is required before the Board takes action.

"We are making these difficult decisions now instead of June or July because this is the time of year when other school districts will be seeking people to fill positions," Heuer added. "These cuts have nothing to do with work performance.  It is simply about the critical need to bring our expenditures down and more in line with current financial realities." 

 "The District's contract with the teachers union requires that any anticipated reduction in force (RIF) be communicated to teachers no later than April 30, so 42 teachers were notified last month (April) that their positions will not be available next school year. Staffing decisions are made based on the numbers we know today. There is a very good chance we'll be able to recall some teachers. As a District, CH-UH educates a large number of "transient" students who move frequently and often are late to enroll.  Each year there is a significant change over the summer, both with students leaving and students enrolling. We have to wait and see where the enrollment numbers end up. We are permitted to recall staff, but we are not permitted to reduce teaching staff after April 30," Heuer said.