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The reductions just over $347,000 and include the elimination of 2 1/2 teaching positions, the Title I director, a speech therapist, and a contracted counselor. The district also plans to institute an athletic registration fee for middle school and high school sports.

Superintendent Jerry Steigerwald hopes to cut a total of $400,000 from next year's budget to account for reductions in state aid and a projected drop in enrollment of 25 students. Even after slashing the budget, the district plans to draw $300,000 from fund equity.

"This is just preliminary in the budget process. We will have to wait and see what the state does," said Steigerwald. "We did make cuts...but we will still provide top-notch education."

Accepting the severance packages were Title I director Roxanne Dean, speech therapist Patricia Kreiner, and second grade teacher Joanne Yaroch. They will each receive a payment of $30,000 over three years.

The positions will be eliminated and duties redistributed among existing staff, saving the district more than $168,000.

Kindergarten teacher Susan Ambu and contracted part-time elementary teacher Juanita Smith will receive pink slips.

The board tabled a decision on whether to lay off junior high math teacher Jesse VanBuskirk. The move would bring the total reductions to approximately $400,000.

Other cuts include:

*Eliminate one eight-hour custodian position, one Title I aide, and one playground aide.

*Reduce baseball/softball complex expenses by $7,000.

*Charge admission for baseball, softball, and track events.

*Charge athletes $20 for middle school sports and $30 for high school sports.

*Reduce Saturday detentions by two days per month.

*Eliminate new textbook expenses.

*Reduce summer hours of special education secretary, librarian and elementary library aide.

*Reduce district supply budget by 15%.

*Eliminate the SADD club, one paid sponsor per class, and the chorus stipend.

*Eliminate workshop and conference budget for athletic coaches.

*Assign high school principal/athletic director Tony Burton to teach one hour each day.

*Eliminate student insurance.

*Reduce number of district funded athletic tournaments by 30%.

In related business, the board learned that a millage election recount is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22. The district recently asked voters to restore the full 18-mills on non-homestead property. The measure, which would bring in over $29,000 per year, failed by only two votes. The cost of the recount is approximately $300. Should the results remain the same, the board may choose to hold another election in August or November.

In other action, the board:

*Extended High School Principal Scott Roper's contract for two years, with salary left open.

*Approved a voluntary pay freeze for Technology Director Karin Hickman for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years.

*Accepted the resignation of Sandra Owens from her custodial position and hired Cameron Mason as a temporary summer maintenance worker.

*Appointed Garnett Kohler as junior varsity football coach.

*In two separate motions, approved the 2007-08 ISD budget and supported the election of Louise Blasius of CPS and Les King of Marlette to seats on the ISD board. Dave Bartle will represent Marlette at the election.

*Met in closed session for 30 minutes to discuss teacher contract negotiations. Teacher contracts expired June 30, 2006.