Marsha Reimbold and Patricia Goin
North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation officials are bracing for more budget cuts. Superintendent Lynn Johnson says enrollment is down 40 students from last year.
“We have made a lot of cuts already, but obviously we need to make more and look at future plans,” Johnson told the school board Tuesday night. “One of the major expenditures we have is special education, which keeps growing and growing and growing. I would say we probably spend $1 million a year on special education.”
Johnson notes the state has not increased special education funds to school districts in 12 years.
“The services are expensive, but it is the right thing to do for kids. It’s also required by law. So, if a child moves in and they come with an individual educational plan and says this is what they need, we can’t say ‘no, we’re not going to do it.’ It’s required by law.”
She is meeting this week with the three building principals to look at possible cuts. Johnson told the board they have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Corporation Treasurer Guy Richie says North Judson-San Pierre School Board expenses have exceeded revenue for 17 of the last 21 months in spite of cost cutting measures.
