LAGRANGE – As a new school year approaches Lakeland School Corporation staff reductions due to the realignment of district students and the closure of two schools has come into focus.

Lakeland Human Resources Director Jenny Landez summarized the cuts made during this summer.

They include 16 certified staff (teachers); three administrators; two secretarial; 2 media paraprofessionals; three custodians; 1 nurse; 3 food service; 1 bus driver.

12 new certified staff members were hired this summer, with 8 staffers being reassigned to different positions.

Landez says the overall staff reduction amounted to 26 persons.

Three special ed paraprofessional positions and two food service positions are still open.