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Senate lawmakers have passed a two-year budget bill that the leader of the state's largest school system says will devastate his district.
The bill slashes roughly $42 million in funding for Indianapolis Public schools. The cuts stem from IPS' declining enrollment and the expectation the school system will lose even more students over the next two years.
More: Education News
"They have us projected to lose about 2,000 students in 2010 and another 2,000 students in 2011," said Superintendent Eugene White.
White says the drastic cuts would mean reductions in staff and programs.
"We should not be hit this way, because our students need the best education that we can provide for them."
Lawmakers debated the proposed budget for nearly two hours, but the republican-controlled senate passed the bill 33-17.
"We're getting to the point where funding per child in IPS is getting so high, we're getting push back from other areas of the state that they say well, gee, our kids deserve money too," said Republican Senator Luke Kenley.
The democrat-ruled House already passed a one-year spending plan. Lawmakers face a June 30 deadline for passing a new budget before the current budget expires.
The bill slashes roughly $42 million in funding for Indianapolis Public schools. The cuts stem from IPS' declining enrollment and the expectation the school system will lose even more students over the next two years.
More: Education News
"They have us projected to lose about 2,000 students in 2010 and another 2,000 students in 2011," said Superintendent Eugene White.
White says the drastic cuts would mean reductions in staff and programs.
"We should not be hit this way, because our students need the best education that we can provide for them."
Lawmakers debated the proposed budget for nearly two hours, but the republican-controlled senate passed the bill 33-17.
"We're getting to the point where funding per child in IPS is getting so high, we're getting push back from other areas of the state that they say well, gee, our kids deserve money too," said Republican Senator Luke Kenley.
The democrat-ruled House already passed a one-year spending plan. Lawmakers face a June 30 deadline for passing a new budget before the current budget expires.
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