School layoffs seem unavoidable

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - Two local school districts have announced plans to cut their budgets. The move is likely to lead to layoffs.

Carmel expects to reduce spending by a million and a half dollars, which is likely to mean the loss of almost 20 teaching positions.

Superintendent Barbara Underwood said cuts in Carmel would be spread through every level of the district. She hopes the changes can come through attrition, but she's not counting on it.

"Retirements and resignations are running very low compared to most years, which I don't think surprises any of us," said Underwood.

A member of the teachers union says the teacher layoffs would not be needed if the district eliminated six administrative positions.

Carmel's school board will vote on the plan at its March 23 meeting.

Money problems are worse in Lawrence Township. Its board will vote in April on a plan to eliminate about 100 jobs. The system said it needs to do something to ease a $4 million deficit.

IPS has already announced that it may have to release 400 teachers and 69 administrators.

The Indiana State Teachers Association said no one knows how the state budget or the federal stimulus plan will affect schools. So, an ISTA spokesman said school districts should plan ahead and slow down on their budget cutting.