Associated Press - April 23, 2009 9:34 PM ET
MONROE, La. (AP) - The Morehouse Parish School Board is considering closing schools to make up for tax revenues it will lose because of the shutdown of the International Paper mill at Bastrop.
The contingency plan approved by the board is expected to save about $3 million in operating expenses. It would close two elementary schools, cut 53 positions and rezone students.
Since the system operates under a long-standing federal desegregation order, it must gain U.S. Justice Department approval before redrawing attendance zones.
Board President Phillip McCready said officials hope to have the plan implemented before the next school year.
The mill, which closed several months ago, had been a major local employer. It also provided the school system with property and sales tax revenues.
Information from: The News-Star, http://www.thenewsstar.com
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