NEGAUNEE -- Like most school districts in the U.P., Negaunee Public Schools are facing a large deficit for next year.
    
So Tuesday night, the school board met to figure out a way to make ends meet.

In March the board was facing a 1.5 million dollar deficit.  They've already eliminated six teaching positions and some support staff;  $268,000 still needs to be cut before the end of the month.
    
A shorter school year was suggested along with reducing some full-time employees to part-time.

"Teachers, administrators, and board members were here to do good things for kids.  This is the worst year that I've had in 16 years as superintendent, trying to come up with a balanced budget when I know I have to cut 1.5 million dollars, and it's going to affect kids' programs," said Negaunee Public Schools Superintendent, Jim Derocher.

The board did not make any decisions at Tuesday night's meeting.  They plan on finalizing the budget on June 28, two days before the deadline.