OTTAWA — Ottawa schools will take a bigger hit than expected from the state funding cuts ordered by Gov. Mark Parkinson Monday afternoon. Parkinson is trying to cover a $260 million state budget shortage. Superintendent Dean Katt said he expected that USD 290 would lose $150 per student but the cuts will be closer to $165 per student. Although the district was scheduled to receive additional aid because of increased enrollment this year, when that is factored into the budget cuts, the district will lose nearly $450,000 more this year, he said. The district prepared by making layoffs and other cuts earlier and will have to make do by cutting spending more and by dipping into reserves, Katt said. However, the district will likely run out of reserves next year and the district may have to begin dropping programs if state cuts continue in future years.
