The cuts have started for the Argos Community School Corporation.
After failing to see voter approval for a property tax levy increase to fund operations, the school board met this week to implement the necessary budget cuts. Approval was granted, cutting several positions during the meeting. That saves the school corporation about $270-thousand.
Argos Schools Superintendent Michelle Riise says the school board is never happy with someone losing their position.
“It was a difficult decision and one that weighs on them heavily,” says Riise. “Because some of the people are personal family and friends or acquaintances or they have close ties within the community.”
An executive session was held by the school board last week, lasting four hours. Goals for the budget process going forward were addressed. Among them was to ensure the cuts affected students in the most minimal way.
Budget cuts will go in effect at the end of the school year, according to Riise.
Argos schools have only a few days left in the academic year, but the school board has its work cut out. Plans call for a consideration of all the available options, including the possibility of a second referendum attempt next May, or even consolidation. Riise says that is currently considered a worst case scenario.
Still, she says changes at the school corporation will not be completed overnight.
“They’re literally looking at all avenues and that’s what they’ll continue to do for the next two years to see where Argos schools will be,” says Riise.
To help with planning, the Argos Community School Corporation may begin talks on a multi-year budget as part of those talks. That will aid in the planning process and bring stability to revenue expectations.
Argos schools are not alone. They are seeing reduced state revenues due to declining student enrollment and formula changes from the state of Indiana.
