Sumner School District is preparing to reduce its number of certificated staff during the 2010-2011 school year, according to a letter sent out by the district’s human resources department. The letter was sent to those employees who had submitted “Intent to Return” forms on the first of the year.

“This is a very sad time in education and in our school district,” Executive Director of Human Resources Debra Barlow said. “We find ourselves unraveling many of the wonderful things that are good for students that we have built over time.”

The district faces a budget reduction between $2.6 million and $4.6 million, pending the end of legislative session. In addition, the district faces a projected 133-student drop in enrollment next year.

Part of the district’s solution is to eliminate at least 20 full-time positions at the middle and high school levels, which will account for about $1.5 million of the shortfall. The district plans to eliminate most of these by attrition, through resignations, retirements and not renewing time-limited contracts. Low seniority staffers may also face loss of employment.