Schools in Clinton are bracing to make more than a million dollars in cuts.
The proposal would slice $1.2 million and cut some 30 full and part-time jobs.
That includes 11 teaching positions.
Depending on funding, cuts could be even more severe.
Clinton's new middle school is a symbol of achievement.
A penny sales tax for buildings paid for it and other improvements.
A generous community chipped in to fund sports upgrades at Clinton High and plans for an auditorium at the middle school.
But since the district must spend most of its general fund on salaries and benefits, that means cuts for the third consecutive year.
"The only way that you can really change the amount of money in that fund is by reducing staff," said Dr. Deb Olson, Clinton superintendent.
The district hopes to minimize the impact to academics.
"We will manage this," said Clinton School Board President Jim McGraw.
Despite the proposal, it plans to maintain class sizes and save programs.
The school board can either accept the proposal or ask for revisions at its March 9 meeting.
"We will have the kids in mind as we go through this process," he said. "Our board is extremely dedicated to seeing that the kids receive a valued education."
Clinton's financial challenges come from fewer students and less property taxes.
Uncertainty over the level of state funding adds more issues to the budget.
While school funding remains up for debate in Des Moines, this district succeeds by doing more with less.
The district is proud of its innovation and academic achievement that make it stand out.
It hopes that most of the job cuts will come through attrition and retirements.
"We know all of these people," Dr. Olson said. "You want to be able to help as much as possible. But you have to do what's best for what you believe in the district."
For now, a district trying to balance the budget without sacrificing achievement.
Editors note: According to the District website, the Clinton School Board will hold listening posts about the budget proposal on Wednesday, February 18. The meetings will be held from 5 -6 p.m. at three locations: Bluff, Eagle Heights, and the Central Administration Building.