KIRTLAND, Ohio — Lakeland Community College President Sunil Ahuja said the college will be making cuts this year to make up for a $2.5 million deficit the next fiscal year.

In a letter, Ahuja confirmed 14 full-time faculty agreed to voluntarily retire and 10 other members were being laid off. 

Additionally, it will be closing several health-related programs because of small classroom sizes. 

“These decisions have been very difficult,” the president wrote. “They are made in light of the college’s enrollment and financial realities and positioning the college for a financially sustainable future.”

Ahuja said the goal is to balance the budget, and by these decisions, they are expected to save $2.315 million. 

However, for this fall and next spring, Ahuja said college will hire three full-time faculty for manufacturing, welding and electrical engineering by setting aside $225,000. In total, the net savings will be $2.1 million.

Ahuja added the college is anticipating at least six voluntary retirements next academic year, which is estimated to save another $800,000.

"Barring unforeseen circumstances or as a consequence of external mandates, I anticipated these actions to be the last round of layoffs at Lakeland Community College," Ahuja wrote. "I am confident these decisions will allow us to reposition the college for a strong future."