Lawmakers are faced with an estimated $400 million annual funding shortfall in K-12 schools, caused mainly by a downturn in the state's fossil fuel industry.
Nichols was not certain how many jobs would be lost as a result of the proposal, but said the picture would become more clear once units finalize their plans to implement the cuts.
The results of program reviews currently underway will be given the most weight in determining which academic programs and positions will be eliminated.