Akron district eliminates anti-bullying program

Citing budget woes, the Akron (Ohio) school district has eliminated its anti-bullying program.

The Akron Beacon Journal says the school board approved the cuts to help eliminate a $24 million deficit this year. The program is part of the district’s Office of Drug/Violence Prevention. The bullying program manager’s full-time position has been cut, saving the district about $121,000 in wages and benefits.

Cutting the equivalent of four full-time specialists save about $105,000. The program also loses its secretary, saving about $44,000 annually. The cuts to the anti-bullying staff are part of a plan the board approved earlier this month to eliminate 202 jobs, including 139 teachers.