Whether or not an operating levy increase is approved in April, Columbia Public Schools says it will decrease expenditures by $5 million.

Monday the board didn't make any final decisions on budget cuts. Instead, they determined the parameters of the budget reductions, which will affect the 2008-2009 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Chase suggested to the board that they reduce the staff, freeze salaries and delay textbook and computer purchases.

Currently the budget deficit is $10.35 million, so even with the budget cuts Columbia Public Schools is still in the red.