Budget forces job cuts at Ohio education department

COLUMBUS (AP) — The newly appointed public schools chief in Ohio is telling staff at the state’s education department that he has to eliminate at least 26 positions at the agency by the month’s end because of budget cuts.

Stan Heffner told employees today that the department’s operating funds have been cut by $6.3 million, or about 12.6 percent.

He says the two-year budget that took effect July 1 will require more work for the agency, causing them to also restructure staff.

The budget directs the department to help develop new systems for ranking school performance and has added the responsibility of sponsoring up to 20 community schools.

Heffner says other staff layoffs are expected.