Teaching jobs at possibility of danger as Carmel battles deficit

Teaching jobs at possibility of danger as Carmel battles deficit

Carmel Clay Schools are facing a multi-million dollar deficit, putting dozens of teaching jobs in jeopardy.

The school board blames the school funding formula set out by the state as the source of their trouble. They are planning to ask for more money from property owners through a referendum.

"I would say a referendum is something many school districts around the state are going to be considering this year in light of the economy, in light of the state budget," said Carmel Clay Schools President Andrew Klein.

For the second time in a year, district Superintendent Dr. Barbara Underwood is faced with cutting teachers and staff.

"If a referendum were to pass, there would be some options for the district at that time, whether to make the cuts," Underwood said.

Without an additional source of funding, Underwood paints a grim picture of the district's financial future. She says she will have to cut one teacher from every elementary school, reduce staffing at the middle schools, eliminate summer school and cut a number of support staff. That would make up about half of the $3 million shortfall.

Adding further pressure to the budget, this is the second school year Carmel teachers have been working without a contract or raises. Four National Merit semi-finalists told the board they fear their education could be compromised without teacher involvement, which they say has dropped off.

"In the best interests of the Carmel Clay students, we ask that both sides make concessions to resolve this issue in a rapid manner," said one of the students.

A referendum could be in front of the voters in May.