South Whidbey school officials are considering selling portable classrooms instead of laying off teachers as a potential solution to balancing next year’s budget.

District Superintendent Bob Brown told the board of education Monday that he hopes to avoid a teacher reduction in force, or RIF, this spring.

The school district last had a RIF in the 2005-2006 school year; 13 teachers were let go.

“Teacher layoffs may be avoided in spite of projected decline in enrollment next year,” Brown said.

Through resignations, retirements and consolidating programs, administrators hope to avoid laying off teachers.

By consolidating several programs into school buildings portable buildings used for classrooms would be available for sale.