Eight posts are to be axed at Saltus as it reduces the number of pupils by more than 100, it was announced this afternoon.Saltus Grammar School issued a statement today saying like other organisations it had been hit by the recession in the local and international business communities.As a result it is to reduce enrolment from 1,015 to 900 students over the next two years and cut eight posts. At the beginning of the decade there were 1,100 students.Headmaster, Ted Staunton, said:”We see this as a prudent time to critically review all programmes offered by the school and become a smaller and more student-centred institution. We will, of course, continue to focus on our mission, academic excellence, personal integrity and service to others.“Without a doubt we have been affected by the reductions in the international business sector. We continue to have a healthy demand at all levels for admission to Saltus from Bermudian parents. Since 2008, most of our attrition has come from international families relocating overseas.“The unfortunate consequence of the reduction in students is the effect it has on our bottom line and the need for us to focus on cost savings across the school.“All budgets have been reduced, including our payroll budget; we are disappointed to be forced to reduce the size of our valued faculty and staff. All budget reductions have been made by focusing on what is in the best interests of our students. They are our first priority, as is building a stronger school in the midst of what may be a multiple year economic turn-down.”Mr. Staunton added:“A total of eight positions will be eliminated. This will be accomplished by a combination of retirement, non-renewal of one-year contracts, reductions in non-essential programmes and the elimination of staff consultants. Positions that will be made redundant will continue until August 2011. We will be contacting all employees whose positions will be affected within the next few days and our Human Resources Department will provide outplacement support.“We believe that implementing these strategic changes will enable us to concentrate on our core mission.”Are you a Saltus parent? What do you think? Email news@royalgazette.bm