As warned prior to the May primary election, Elgin Local Schools have cut 20 teaching positions, despite the voters approving a .75% income tax.

Additionally, 4 positions will be eliminated with the staff being reassigned.

Not included in the numbers is a principal’s position, which Elgin will also lose while not filling Elgin High School Principal Matt Triplett’s vacant job.

The entire art program at the high school will be eliminated, with teachers Brian Oliver, Brenda Blankenship, and Mary Jo Bell losing their jobs.

The school district had forecasted a $1.4 million dollar deficit by the end of next year without the levy and cuts. Even though the levy passed, school officials say they money will not help the district until near the end of the next school year.

The district has lost a net of at least 62 students in each of the last 3 years.