White begins to spell out IPS cuts

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - IPS faces two challenges right now. One is cutting its budget. The other is explaining why certain cuts are needed more than others.

Superintendent Eugene White presented his proposal last week. Tuesday night he defended it. He says he wants to limit exposure to classrooms seeking teacher reductions through retirements rather than layoffs.

IPS would save money, for example, by cutting custodians, administrators and less-popular athletics programs.

"We're gonna start instrumental music after second grade as opposed to first and second grade," said Dr. White.

That struck a chord when he talked of changes in music and art instruction.

Parent Ann Roof said, "It's just as important, if not more important. Kids aren't learning how to draw and color right. They're not learning these things and to (cut) art is just detrimental."

Dr. White tried to balance such concerns by comparing IPS to other systems and the cuts they're making, saying his plan eliminates only one alternative education option and one program for underachieving students.

"It is not what we want it to be, but it could be a lot lot worse," he said.

White said there would be another chance for public discussion at Washington High School.

That session has not been scheduled yet.