Zionsville school board votes for cuts

The Zionsville school board voted Monday to cut programs and lay off staff members in an effort to close a $2.5 million deficit in the school district’s general fund for the 2012-2013 school year. About 15 teachers were laid off, including elementary teachers and media specialists. Several programs also were eliminated: foreign language in middle school; band, orchestra and choir in fifth and sixth grades; and year-long art classes in the seventh and eighth grades. The teachers and programs may be restored if more funds are found. The district plans a referendum for more funding on the May 8 ballot.