School decision-makers aren't celebrating, but next year's budget may be slightly less grim than it seemed a month ago.

The school board had approved the layoff of up to 81 full-time teachers, based on preliminary budget predictions. In a meeting on May 11, the projection was lowered to show only 50 RIFs, and the actual staff loss may be closer to 45, according to finance director Jim Baker.

The reductions include 3.2 administrative positions (based on full-time hours), 26.1 elementary teachers and 23.1 teachers at the secondary level.

Initial budget numbers had proposed the elimination of four music teacher positions, which resulted in district-wide complaints from both students and parents. Following public comments, the board decided against reductions in music at the high school, and the middle school cuts amount to only a couple of classes.

Passionate pleas on behalf of the Japanese language program also saved it from complete elimination, although only about half as many classes will be offered as in previous years. The German section, which had declining enrollment and interest, will be cut from the World Language curriculum.

The district has been on a rigorous planning schedule since the legislature released its draft school funding budget in April. As the numbers kept changing, and administrators learned more about restrictions for federal stimulus dollars, the local numbers were tweaked. While the current spending plan is based on the latest projections, leaders admit there may be additional adjustments.

The School Board expects to adopt the preliminary 2009-2010 budget on June 1, and begin any possible teacher recalls on June 2.