IPS head reacts to state spending cuts

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White is speaking out about the governor's proposal to cut K-12 spending across the state by at least $300 million . Dr. White estimates his school district will be required to cut between $8 million and $10 million.

"This next cut will have student impact and it could result in larger class sizes. It could result in program reduction, it could result in closing a school or two," said Dr. White.

The IPS superintendent said the cuts will be in addition to the $12 million he has to cut from the budget due to the current property tax caps.

"Everything is back on the table now. Nothing is exempt. We have to look at everything," said White.

Indianapolis Public Schools provided 24-Hour News 8 with a pie chart that shows how tax dollars in the operating budget are spent. Sixty percent of the dollars pay for instructional staff. Dr. White said if he has to make deep cuts, cutting teachers may be unavoidable.

The governor's announcement to cut K-12 funding came as no surprise to educators and lobbyists.

"When you're a big hunk and over half of the state budget, you have to expect you are also in line for some cuts," said Denny Costerison, the executive director of the Indiana Association of School Business Officials.

Costerison is waiting to see just how much schools will have to cut and when they will have to make those cuts. He admits the cuts will be severe.

"There will be, unfortunately, teachers cut, there will be class sizes increased. It's just the nature of the beast. I think every district is different. This will happen," said Costerison.

Thursday, the State Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the issue at 10 a.m. at the Indiana State Library.

Governor Daniels wants to see cost cutting recommendations on his desk on Friday.