MASHPEE — Shuffling teachers, requesting town "rainy day" funds, and shifting from paper documents to e-mail won't be enough to keep local schools at current staffing and program levels.

The school committee this week approved an $18.7 million spending plan, $450,000 more than the town set aside. At town meeting May 3, school officials will attempt to sell voters on the need to use rainy day funds to make up the difference.

In any case, the district will go into next year with less money than it needs, Supt. Ann Bradshaw said. The district will attempt to reduce the shortfall by implementing small changes as well as more drastic measures, including staff cuts and program reductions, she said.

School officials will also look into the possibility of student fees for buses, sports and clubs, she said.

read more here