By Brandon Bartlett - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email
EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - The EVSC is cutting millions to balance the school budget, and officials said they can make it happen without cutting jobs or school programs, but there are some big changes ahead.
After Governor Mitch Daniels announced school systems would be getting less money from the government, EVSC officials knew some big cuts would have to be made.
Monday night, 14 News learned just what those cuts would be.
After looking at the current budget line by line, EVSC officials cut over $8-million.
"We're in a different time," EVSC Superintendent Dr. Vincent Bertram said. "There's a new reality for us."
That new reality will mean some big changes.
The most shocking change is the EVSC headquarters located at the Civic Center will be closed.
Administrative offices will move into another building across the street.
"We'll have all of the central office, special ed, and service center will all move into that facility," Bertram said.
Another change is North High School will no longer become a middle school.
School officials said it too will be sold.
Dr. Bertram told the school board the commercial value of the building exceeds any use the EVSC would have for it.
Because of that, the North High School district will have to be re-aligned.
Delaware, Evans, Oak Hill, Scott and Vogel schools will now become K through six schools.
The new North Junior High School will serve all North district students in grades seven and eight.
The new North High School will serve grades nine through 12, and the current Howard Roosa facility will close.
Dr. Bertram calls these moves bold.
He said even though the school corporation is forced to cut millions, it's still positioned well, but he believes the reduction in state funding is the new norm for all Indiana schools.
"If we do get additional dollars in the next budget, it's going to be based on this level of funding," Bertram said. "So, in my opinion, we're never going to be restored to the previous level of funding."
Also Monday night, Dr. Bertram announced he would be reducing his salary by seven percent.
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