BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Several positions and services within the Bakersfield City School District could be on the chopping block as district leaders are expected to discuss and vote on potential employment cuts during their Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday evening.

One of the significant cuts being proposed — the elimination of the district’s High-Functioning Autism Program.

According to the resolution in the agenda of Tuesday’s meeting, the Governing Board of the Bakersfield School District has determined it is necessary to discontinue the program no later than the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, which begins in August.

23 positions within the High-Functioning Autism Program could be affected by the proposed cuts.

On top of the possible cut to the High-Functioning Autism Program, several other employees could also be laid off. The district is proposing to cut a total of 36 full-time positions, which includes some certified teachers.

Below are proposed employment layoffs:

• 23 High-Functioning Autism Program Teachers
• 2 Art Program Teachers
• 2 Intervention Specialist Teachers
• 4 K-6 Teachers
• 2 Middle School Teachers
• 1 SEAL Specialist Teacher
• 1 Instructional Specialist – 199 Day
• 1 Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator II

The termination of the positions is expected to take effect at the end of the current school year if approved by the board.

Citing the lack of funds, the district is also planning on cutting or reducing other positions, such as dozens of aides, clerks, playground leaders and bus drivers.

In total, 148 of the special positions could be impacted.

If approved, such positions could be eliminated or reduced on July 1.

Eyewitness News has reached out to BCSD for comment but has not heard back as of the publication of this article.

The BCSD board meeting is expected to be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the district’s office on 1300 Baker Street.

Eyewitness News will be at the meeting to bring you any new developments from the discussion.