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The Butler County School System announced the reorganization of the Central office ahead of the 2018-2019 school year.

According to BCS Superintendent Dr. John Strycker, the central office staff will now consist of five employees instead of nine – as it was when Strycker took over.

Strycker released a statement stating that recent employee transfers, resignations and retirements have reduced the number of central office employees to five. Due to funding issues, he does not intend to fill those positions.

The existing staff members will absorb the duties of those who have left,” he said. “Obviously, we would rather keep nine employees on, but this move is out of necessity. We have a structural deficit of $500 to $600,000 as it stands. With these positions not filled, the system will save $213,761. That total can double over two years, which is very important to the future of the school system.”

The Butler School’s career tech director recently resigned, according to Strycker. Rheta McClain will fill that position.

“We are more than confident in Rheta’s ability to step into that role,” Strycker said. “She puts in long hours and is immersed in this community. We’re excited to have her take on the role of career tech director.”

Strycker also stated that the BCS has an unusually high debt-per-student ratio of $10,950 per student.

“We, like many school systems around the state and country, must accomplish more administrative duties with fewer personnel,” he said. “Our central office members are stepping up as needed. Cutting staff size isn’t something we want to do, but if we’re going to do so it needs to be done as far away from the classroom as possible.”