Franklin township families hear schools' tough options

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Franklin Township's School Board will vote next month on big cuts to the budget.

Tuesday night, the school system proposed a plan to trim $4.7 million from its "general expenditures".

The school district had sought property-tax relief during a special referendum vote last month, but the referendum was voted down by residents. So now they have to bridge a $10 million budget gap.

The proposal includes:

• Closing two elementary schools
• Reducing sports with low participation and trimming custodial expenses
• Establishing a school bus rider fee of "at least 375 dollars"

So, Franklin Township says if the plan is approved, it will reduce total spending by $5.8 million. "We need to be able to afford to keep teachers and administrators that are the heart and soul of what this school system needs to be about. I just want you guys to keep that in mind when you make your vote," said parent Mickey Sullivan

"I haven't seen anything about recommending -- just the people that were listed here -- all the administrators taking such as a ten percent cut," said Rebecca Moore a Township resident.

“I see a whole lot that could be cut. To preserve our students, teachers, budgets -- because without the buses my child would not get to school," said parent Susan Richardson.

The school system says it's forced to make these cuts because of the economy and the failure of that tax referendum.

The people who crowded the hearing room last night were told the proposal is "at best a two year solution."

Administrators expect to vote on this round, next month.

To read the entire proposal, click here.