The Cassopolis Public Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a preliminary budget for next year Monday night.

The budget included the $277,000-worth of budget reductions approved earlier this month, including laying off two elementary school teachers.

Even after the cuts, the district faced a $1.1 million shortfall that needed to be plugged by dipping into the fund balance. After the move, the school system still has 12.2 percent fund balance.

Some of the cuts to the 2011-2012 budget include: two elementary teachers ($70,000 savings); two elementary responsible thinking coordinator positions ($18,000); two recess paraprofessionals ($7,000); an elementary library paraprofessional ($7,000); a special education paraprofessional ($24,000); a reduction in hours for school employees association eight-hour positions; and administrative health insurance reductions ($15,000).

The school board approved the cuts despite several residents raising complaints about cutting elementary school staff at a meeting earlier this month.

“A lot of districts are facing deficits right now,” said business manager Scott Thomas. “We’re in a better position than most.”

The passing of the 2011-2012 budget signals the end of Thomas’ six-year tenure as business manager for the district, as he has accepted a position at Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA).

Supt. Gregory Weatherspoon honored Thomas at Monday’s board meeting.

“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone you’ve worked with for five years and has brought you through the muck,” Weatherspoon said. “He would always tell you to your face his opinion, which was sound financial advice. He’s a unique talent.”