WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Rapides Parish school officials are shaping a plan to help avoid layoffs.

Superintendent Gary Jones said he is fine-tuning details of a plan that aims to save money while sparing employees' jobs.

The plan centers on a 10 percent cut from the general fund that will affect at least 30 employees and involve the elimination of various programs and positions, but with no layoffs.

The district faces a $4 million to $5 million shortfall for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Jones says he will ask for final school board approval for the plan at its meeting next Tuesday.