Three years into a funding shortfall that has already tapped reserves, Hillsborough County is now facing a $60 million hole.

  • Hillsborough School District to make cuts, fill $60 million hole
  • Hillsborough schools have freeze on hiring now
  • Most cuts will not be in classrooms, superintendent says

Hillsborough County School District is facing a dilemma on what to cut without harming education. 

“It’s time to get our fiscal house in order, no doubt about that,” said Superintendent Jeff Eakins.

Eakins has cut 613 jobs in the past year. There is now a freeze on hiring.

“Avoid bringing any new employees into the district if we don’t have a need for those employees,” Eakins said.

The superintendent stresses that most cuts are not in the classroom. Here’s how they break down:

  • 9.5 percent reduction in district level – administration positions
  • 3 percent in support staff
  • 2 percent cuts in teachers and school administrators

“The amount we reduce, we just want to make sure it doesn’t affect students and learning in the classrooms,” Eakins said.

The district is also re-evaluating all contracts, services, and procedures for potential savings.

“That’s the conversation we’re having to be able to trim effectively so this community is proud of our school district,” he said.

The district must have a balanced budget in September, once they have the official enrollment numbers.

Their next budget meeting is set for July.