The Freeport School District has eliminated 54 positions, including teachers and support staff, to address a $3.2 million budget deficit, officials confirmed Wednesday. The cuts affect approximately 5% of the district’s workforce and are expected to take effect by the end of the academic year.
Superintendent Michael Thompson attributed the shortfall to declining state funding and rising operational costs. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but one we had to make to ensure the district’s financial stability,” Thompson said in a statement. Analysts note that Freeport is among several Illinois districts grappling with similar challenges due to unfunded mandates and pension obligations.
Local teachers’ union president Alicia Ramos criticized the move, telling reporters: “These cuts will increase class sizes and reduce vital student services at a time when our kids need more support, not less.” The district plans to offset some impacts by consolidating bus routes and reducing administrative expenses.
Economists warn such layoffs could ripple through the regional economy. “School employees are consumers too—their reduced spending power may hurt local businesses,” said University of Illinois researcher Dr. Evan Park. The school board will vote next week on a proposed property tax referendum to restore some funding.