Mr. Levy had already planned administrative cuts that would save $300 million over three years.

As an alternative, he has to look at administrative cuts and cuts in overhead costs.

Most of the clerical and administrative cuts are expected to come in Wichita.

He supported administrative cuts at the board's head office in 2004, arguing that the organization should not be too "top-heavy."

Mr. Cortines also outlined $90.5 million in operations and administrative cuts.

"It still remains to be seen whether we're going to have administrative cuts or not," he told reporters in a telephone conference call.

The officials acknowledged that the plan does not provide any details as to what administrative cuts would be taken.

The remaining $19 million is expected to come from the administrative cuts.

We are also insisting that the schools and departments make administrative cuts.

That begs the question of whether even heavier administrative cuts would be preferable to reducing instruction.