FAIRPORT, N.Y. — Citing a more than $800,000 budget shortfall, leaders of the Fairport Central School District are proposing a reduction in staff — including cutting 16 full-time tenured teachers.

Superintendent of schools, Brett Provenzano presented his budget proposal to the school board Tuesday night. 

Provenzano is recommending cutting 29 full-time employees. Included in that proposal is the reduction of those 16 teachers from grades pre-k through 12.

Retirements within the district could reduce that number. In addition, Provenzano is proposing to cut eight full-time teacher assistants and six teacher aids. 

The superintendent issued a statement in response saying in part:

"We understand that these are incredibly anxious and disheartening times in our district, particularly for those who will be impacted by staffing reductions. We share in the trepidation that permeates throughout our organization during this difficult time and realize how this cuts at the core of our school community."

The proposal will be discussed further at the next board meeting. That's set for April 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairport High School.