Zionsville School Board to vote on major cuts in staff, programs

The Zionsville School Board is planning to vote to make big cuts.

Recommended program cuts include all middle school foreign language and 5th and 6th grade band, orchestra and choir.

Additionally, 15 or more teachers could be cut in this upcoming round of potential layoffs.

"This is just awful," said volunteer Debbie Ungar. "We need to really think about how this could hurt our kids."

The immediate impact of the cuts proposed would be an estimated savings of $1 million.

These cuts come from a remaining shortfall in the General Fund for the 2012-2013 school year and are in addition to expected teacher reductions from retirements and attrition.

"If you are really interested in the debate over funding for Zionsville schools, just look at current salaries and retirement packages currently in effect," said resident Donald Cline.

By contract, teachers must be notified by May 1 if they are going to be laid off for the following school year.  However, teachers can be called back after this date.

"Zionsville prides itself on being wonderful place to raise a family and we should keep it that way," said Ungar.

The Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees claims the successful passage of the school referendum on the May 8 ballot could allow the school board to reverse these layoffs in anticipation of additional funds in the Spring of 2013.

Additional school referendum information is available at www.ZionsvilleYes.com.