Layoffs, bigger classes at secondary schools and elimination of elementary school band are among the budget-cutting ideas expected to be presented today as Lawrence schools look for ways to reduce spending.

“The curtain goes up on the third act of budget cutting — the third year,” Supt. Randy Weseman said Monday. “And each year, the play becomes more and more tragic.”

Pressured by increasing operating costs and declining state funding, the district’s budget committee today is to take its first look at nearly $5.8 million in possible budget reductions for 2003-2004.

Kathy Johnson, budget director, said no one could be certain yet how deep the budget-cutting would go.

“There are no simple answers,” she said.

Here’s a sample of options that may be considered during the public meeting this afternoon:

• Elementary schools — $1.7 million cut, including deletion of band and orchestra, dismissal of clerical aides and change in art, music and gym staffing.
• Secondary schools — $1.7 million cut by increasing class sizes, reducing library personnel and changing supplemental pay for athletic and activity staff.

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• Special education — $1.3 million cut by trimming paraprofessional aides, reducing a mental-health program and homebound education services to students.
• Administration — $1 million cut by dropping staff in clerical, library media, operations and maintenance areas.

Principals and administrators representing each of the four task forces will make 20-minute presentations to the district’s budget committee. Ten minutes will be devoted to a question-and-answer session with each group.

The budget committee will meet Feb. 25 to draft budget recommendations due to the school board March 10.

The board’s task will be to create a priority list of cuts that could be relied upon when the 2003 Legislature and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius agree on the amount of state spending on schools. It will be months before the state budget is set.

In addition, negotiations between the school board and the district’s teachers have yet to be completed. The district’s salary schedule automatically allocates $600,000 for teacher raises.

The district’s utility and insurance costs are expected to increase significantly, Weseman said. He said it was unlikely the board would have to take all spending reductions suggested by the four task forces.

“They’ve identified almost $6 million in cuts, so we could really get a big look at it,” he said.

Weseman cut several hundred thousand dollars in administrative costs two years ago.

Last year, the board approved $3.1 million in budget cuts and fee increases to balance the 2002-2003 budget.

To prepare the 2003-2004 budget, the board asked its committee to draft $4.5 million in potential cuts.

This afternoon’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.