The teachers of East Lansing Public Schools have overwhelmingly lost confidence in the district's leadership, union officials say, as the district prepares to make significant changes to brace for a $4.2-million budget shortfall.

"The tally overwhelmingly stated both teachers and support staff has lost confidence in Superintendent Tom Giblin's leadership," Michigan Education Association spokesman Mike McEachern said of the vote taken by the city's teachers Jan. 27.

The vote by the 280 teachers of the association and 70 support staff employees of the Educational Support Personnel Association was taken before Giblin released his 25-point plan to the school board.

Giblin needs to work together with the teachers when discussing significant changes, including school closings and cuts to teacher benefits, McEachern said.

Four years ago, the budget was healthy. Under Giblin, the district had to cut about $3.5 million this year and is facing a $4.2-million shortfall next year.

Giblin's 25-point plan was formed after looking at recommendations formed by a 23-member budget committee composed of representatives throughout the community.

McEachern said the teachers understand the district has financial problems, but they want to be involved in discussions.

"He needs to sit down with us and then make decisions with input from the teachers," he said.

Giblin did not return calls Wednesday and school board President Barbara McMillan would not comment.

The union will continue to collect information about how the district has run into the budget problems, McEachern said.

"He will not be direct about how the money has been spent over the last four years," he said. "We want to find out how four years ago the district had the largest general fund balance, to a point it is now, running deficits."

Giblin's plan includes eliminating more than 30 teaching positions, closing Spartan Village Elementary School and privatizing custodians and transportation staffs. Other proposed changes include restructuring the middle and elementary schools, eliminating the alternative high school program and charging a $250 fee to play sports.

"Employees do not have confidence in Superintendent Giblin's ability to lead the East Lansing Public Schools," East Lansing Education Association President Edwina Marshall said.

The budget committee will add additional meetings with public forums in the next months to discuss the possible budget cuts, school board member Charles Hackney said.

The school board will approve a budget in April.