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Thousands of teachers losing jobs, union says

March 19, 2010

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Education & Workforce Development, ISTA, K-12, Teachers

School districts across Indiana are laying off thousands of teachers in the wake of state education funding cuts.

Indiana State Teachers Association spokesman Mark Shoup said Friday the union forecasts up to 5,000 teachers may lose their jobs. That's about 8 percent of public school teachers statewide.

State schools Superintendent Tony Bennett said he believed districts would be able to reduce spending without layoffs when he and Gov. Mitch Daniels announced the $300 million funding cut in December.

But Shoup said that wasn't realistic because salaries and benefits make up the largest chunk of the school budget.

Bennett questioned whether all school districts have fully explored budget-cutting alternatives.

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mest up system

DeVonteMay 20, 2010 8:17 AM
why are teachers losig their jobs it's an outrage to the teachers and students.

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...

TravisMarch 22, 2010 3:47 AM
Would people please stop talking about the dome like it is the end of the world... Each NCAA Final 4 is expected to bring in $50 million. The superbowl will undoubtedly bring in much more. The publicity Indy gets from the Colts still being located there will keep it so people actually know where Indiana and Indy itself are on a map. The new dome allowed us to expand the convention center to keep and attract more conventions.

In other words... This dome was one worthy investment. We would have never received a superbowl, 30 year NCAA contract, or kept growing conventions like GenCon I believe thats the name) and FFA. I would appreciate it if it would no longer be the red herring of central Indiana politics.

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Of course

BennettisapuppetMarch 19, 2010 8:51 PM
Schools already cut the majority of the fat several years ago when the property tax system was capped. There is nothing left to cut. If Indiana continues to treat schools and teachers like a red-headed stepchild, they will see busing cut, athletics became pay for the wealthy programs, arts and music disappear, class sizes above 35 in many places (I had 18 in my elementary classes in the 80's)and less help for your children. Do you value education to Colts domed stadiums and tax breaks for corporations?

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