CAPE CORAL, Fla-- Principals at Cape Coral High Schools have been forced to cut positions for the 2017-2018 school year. According to one principal it's because of a budget shortfall.
"There's been kids in my classes who've been crying because they are so sad to see these teachers go because they've been so impactful in their life," said Cape HS student Kaylee Ayres.
The Cape HS principal said he was forced to cut 2 positions at the school, the TV Production teacher and an International Baccalaureate Secretary.
Kaylee Ayres, a daughter of a Fox 4 newsroom employee was devastated by the decision and decided to start an online petition.
Within hours the petition had more than 100 signatures and dozens of comments from students. "While I understand that the budget cuts are necessary, I think there might be another solution that isn't so detrimental to the students," said Ayres.
Just a few days ago the Lee County Superintendent told Fox 4 the budget is always a primary challenge. "This time of year it's obviously the budget we are not getting funding that we need to. We are expanding by 1,600 students every single year we have to have money to pay for a really high quality education," said Dr. Greg Adkins.
In the school newspaper, Cape's principal is quoted as saying, "other high schools are experiencing budget cuts as well."
However 4 In Your Corner learned schools in Lehigh Acres will receive more resources this fall. The district said there's no direct correlation and that funding is based on student population and needs.
Cape students said they aren't giving up just yet. "Please don't do this, see if we can find another way to cut money from somewhere else," said Kyra Johnson.
