By Ann Doss Helms
ahelms@charlotteobserver.com

In a move bound to send shock waves through Mecklenburg County, CMS Superintendent Peter Gorman says he'll outline his plan for cutting $100 million from the 2011 budget on Tuesday.

His proposal will include plans for cutting jobs and programs, based on the still-uncertain prospect of major cuts from the state, county and federal governments.

"I don't see any way to get through this without teachers, administrators, central office staff being cut," Gorman said at a news conference Wednesday.

The superintendent's budget recommendation normally comes out in April, after weeks of public and private meetings with school board members. Gorman says he's rolling out proposals early so parents, principals and the community can respond to some key decisions.

Gorman said he'll ask the board to vote Jan. 25 on some cuts that require early action. While he wouldn't be specific, he told the board in December he would like early decisions in three areas:

Busing: If the board decides to eliminate or reduce busing for magnet schools, parents should know before the Feb. 7 deadline to apply for 2011 seats, Gorman said.

Bright Beginnings : If the board reduces the number of free prekindergarten seats for disadvantaged kids (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools now has more than 3,000 4-year-olds enrolled), child care centers and other community groups need time to prepare to take more children in 2011.

Weighted student staffing : If CMS adjusts the formula it uses to add teachers based on student poverty, principals need to know before they start scheduling 2011 classes. Schools that lose teachers could have to reduce optional classes, known as electives, in middle and high schools.

Gorman said he decided to present a rough draft of a full budget plan because board members need that context to make early decisions in selected areas. He said his proposals will change as more details come in.

The early release of plans for CMS layoffs and other painful cuts could ratchet up public pressure for state and county officials to protect public schools, possibly by increasing taxes or finding new ways to bring in more money.

State legislators, who control more than half of CMS' $1 billion spending plan, will convene Jan. 26 to start crafting a 2011-12 budget. They are facing a projected shortfall of $3.7 billion.

Mecklenburg County officials, who provide about 30 percent of the budget, haven't told CMS what to expect in 2011-12 but also face a bleak budget picture. And CMS expects to lose about $15 million in federal stimulus money next year, even with millions set aside to help cover that gap.

CMS has launched an "information campaign" asking community groups to invite "Gorman or his designee" to spend about 90 minutes talking to them about budget cuts.

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