Ind. schools face millions in cuts

CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Hoosier schools are forced to make $ 300 million in cuts. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said the cuts are necessary due to a new budget forecast.

It predicts state government will lose $ 1.8 billion in revenue. Schools statewide have been bracing for more cuts, some even laying off teachers.

So far, that's not been the case locally and Clay County Schools superintendent said he hopes it stays that way.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel Schroeder said in 15 years on the job he's never seen cuts like this. He said the school district is in good shape and they don't plan on lay offs this spring.

So far they haven't been forced to make any cuts. However, with the news of the multi-million dollar cuts, no one knows where that money will come from. In 2008, Clay County schools got $ 27 million from the state for salaries, materials and operations.

Now, they don't know how much they'll get in 2010 or what could happen in 2011.

"This has caused a lot of stress," Schroeder said. "You want to keep what you have you don't want lay offs you don't want to cut programs."

The main goal for Clay County as well as other Wabash Valley schools is to continue avoiding teacher and staff lay offs. The State Board of Education will hold a public hearing Thursday with school districts.

The board is expected to make its budget cut recommendations to the governor Friday.