Two schools considering painful cuts

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Two more large school districts are taking steps toward painful budget-balancing Tuesday; both need to cut millions of dollars to get back in the black.

Noblesville and Lawrence schools are approaching the necessary cuts from two different angles.

Lawrence is considering laying off 90 teachers, freezing salaries and making cuts in insurance benefits. The school system is holding a meeting Tuesday night to hear the public’s input on the proposed changes.

Lawrence schools must cut $11 million from spending plans in order to make up for a shortage of state funds.

Meanwhile, Noblesville’s superintendent will present the School Board with a plan to chop $3.4 million now and up to $9 million in the future.

The school district is considering closing the swimming pool at the school’s freshman campus and eliminating middle school swimming.

The district is also calling for a May referendum o raise money for schools through taxes.

Budget cuts are impacting school districts across Indiana after lawmakers cut state funding by $300 million.