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Prince George's schools chief William R. Hite said Monday evening that 1,000 teachers may have to be laid off if the county is unable to close an anticipated $89 million budget gap.

The school system released budget documents Dec. 16 showing an anticipated $140 million shortfall in the $1.69 billion fiscal 2012 education budget, but officials identified about $51 million in cuts that they said do not directly impact classrooms.

The proposed cuts include eliminating middle school sports, which is estimated to save $800,000, freezing pay and eliminating some other school system positions, such as custodial, central office and instructional staff. Hite declined to say how many non-teaching positions would be cut, but explained that even with the changes, an $89 million gap remains – which he said is the equivalent of about 1,000 teaching jobs.

The school system employs about 18,300 full-time employees, including approximately 9,000 teachers.

Hite explained at the school board budget meeting that he hopes to get the $89 million to prevent teacher cuts. The school system is asking for an additional $139 million from the state and an additional $22 million from the county in the fiscal 2012 budget.

"We still have a question mark," Hite said regarding the 1,000 teacher positions.

Parents and athletic directors have decried the loss of middle school athletics, but school board members have said they are trying to keep reductions from hindering education efforts.

"When you're cutting, you try to keep away from the classroom," said school board vice chairwoman Donna Hathaway Beck (Dist. 9).

Furloughs, which Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) said he opposes, were eliminated from the 2012 proposed budget.