ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester School Board began public meetings to explain its budget woes – and to listen to citizens. The proposed budget next school year cuts spending $14 million and could eliminate 77 teachers and 40 para-professionals, school nurse, clerks and janitors. The cuts are based on a projected loss of 295 students and also assumes a 4% increase in state funding. This year the district has 17,600 students and 839 teachers.
