Local school districts debate how best to handle state budget cuts

Cheney may see larger class sizes, but no reductions in labor force

By DAVID TELLER

Staff Reporter

Despite the Washington State Legislature slashing school funding statewide, the Cheney School District plans not to let the budget cuts impact the district's programs and teaching levels.

District finance director Brian Aiken said during the last legislative session, the state cut 15.8 percent of levy equalization funding and 71.5 percent of Initiative 728 funding. But there is hope, via federal stimulus funding.

Aiken said the state is taking federal stimulus funding and “changing color” to stat...