VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The Vigo County School Corporation has to make at least $4 million worth of budget cuts in order to keep a cash balance.
Lately, the school board has been hosting budget meetings where the community is encouraged to make budget cut and revenue enhancement suggestions.
“This is what the community is delivering to the school corporation,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Haworth said about the meetings. “And so do I believe that we will use many of the things that have been brought to us? Yes. If not, why hold the community meetings?”
The list of budget cuts range from the feasible consolidation of schools.
“Redistricting, school consolidation, school closure are all on the table as we’ve been clear about,” explained Haworth.
To the controversial four day work week, which Haworth explained could only be implemented with a change in legislation.
“The rules and regulations that we would have to overcome if we were to institute a four day week,” he said. “I really don’t want to give the impression that that is a done deal. It’s just something that has come up at every meeting.”
No budget cuts are set in stone, and many are subject to change depending on the decision of the referendum this November.
The $7 million operational referendum would help support the safety, security and health and wellness of students.
If the referendum doesn’t pass, the school corporation would have to double it’s budget cuts.
“If we want to maintain a 10% cash balance, then what we would have to do is move from $4 million worth of reductions to $8 million worth of reductions,” explained Haworth.
Haworth said the ideal situation would be a combination of budget cuts and revenue enhancements.
Among some of the most popular revenue enhancements were renting facilities to community organizations or leasing empty space and equipment.
“If you have a building that is re-purposed, closed or is sitting at 50% capacity,” explained Haworth. “I think the board would have to give great consideration as to why we would not move into that facility.”
Another is the incorporation of for profit preschool or daycare providers into the corporation.
“We just released our iRead scores and they were the highest ever. I believe that is a direct impact on the commitment this district has made to early learning,” he said. “So thinking of that kind of partnership not only helps our financial bottom line, but also may assist in the academic performances of our students.”
Community members are welcome to attend budget meetings and make suggestions, the last meeting will be held on October 17.
