IPS Board Approves Layoffs

May 23, 2012

News Release

Because IPS is anticipating a shortfall in state funding for the 2012-13 school year, Superintendent Eugene G. White will share a plan to slash district spending by $27 million on Thursday, May 24.

The 6 p.m. public meeting will be held in the Board Room at the John Morton-Finney Center for Educational Services, 120 E. Walnut St.

IPS must reduce its General Fund budget to meet its financial obligations. The state takeover of four schools and the effect of tax caps are expected to adversely impact the amount of funds the district receives from the state.

While a portion of the proposed cuts includes a reduction in staff, programs such as art, music and physical education will be maintained at their current levels. Cuts will be made in areas ranging from supplies to contracted services.

"IPS has pledged to keep cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, and this budget proposal does that," White said. "We squeezed every dollar possible out of this budget by renegotiating bank fees, severing ties with professional organizations that charge fees, and reducing travel expenses. We've cut administrators, secretarial staff and police officers to ensure our classrooms have the funds they need to provide a quality education to our students."

IPS has cut its General Fund budget by $120 million over the past five years.

Source: IPS