Huber Heights Schools make major cuts

HUNER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) - "I feel betrayed by the school district.  They're here to protect me.  That's not what they're doing," says David Wilson.

Wilson fights back tears as he talks about the three years he's spent in the ROTC program at Wayne High School but it will be the junior's last year.

Extracurricular activities, including the ROTC program will be eliminated in the $6.4 million cuts the board approved Wednesday night.

"Ever since I was child, I couldn't wait to get here and wear this uniform and be in ROTC and now it's gone," comments Wilson.

108 staff positions will be cut, including 64 teachers.

Administrators will take a 3 percent pay cut.

Pay-to-Play fees will increase from $250 to $750 for each student.

William Frederick has a son in the football program.  He says he will find a way to pay it.

"In my eyes, it's all about the kids future.  If I have to pay extra then that's what I'm going to do," explains Frederick.

Superintendent Susan Gunnell tells 2 News the cuts are necessary in order to avoid the fiscal caution status with the state for the next couple of years.  

"We will continue to do the best that we can with the funds that we have available in providing the most opportune educational program we can for our students so that they're prepared when they leave us," says Gunnell.

But, these cuts are only part of the district's plan to dig itself out of debt.

Board of Education members also voted to put a $9.95 property tax mill levy on the May ballot.  

The community has not approved new money since 2005.

Without it's passage school leaders say they would be forced to turn the district's finances over to the state.

"You have to pass it.  You just have to.  I don't care if you think you can't afford it, because you can always afford it," comments Wilson.

If that levy is approved by voters some of programs and services that were cut could be restored with board approval.