Kokomo — The Kokomo School Board Thursday approved a reduction in force of 28 teachers, which Superintendent Jeff Hauswald blamed on cuts in state funding.
Hauswald said Kokomo-Center has lost approximately $3 million in funding because of reductions and changes in the state funding formula.
His reduction in force list originally included 33 teachers, but five have already been recalled due to retirements and resignations, he said. The teachers will be placed on a recall list for three years, and hired back if positions become available.
Hauswald said teachers were placed on the list based on seniority, not ability, based on the current contract between the corporation and the Kokomo Teachers’ Association.
He added that the association prevented another 12 teachers from being laid off by agreeing to concessions in the contract, including freezing the salary schedule for the first two years of the contract.
Hauswald said the corporation’s consolidation allowed for reducing teaching positions in a way that won’t impact programs. He added, though, that doesn’t take away from the fact that these reduction are affecting people.
“They’re hard workers for Kokomo. They come in every day and they’re living their dream of working with kids,” he said. “Funding cuts at the state level are hurting people and costing jobs at the local level.”
Kokomo-Center is among several corporations nationwide cutting teacher jobs, as states cut their education budgets. In the Kokomo area, only Tri-Central Community Schools also reported reductions in force. Superintendent Lee Williford said his board authorized him to lay off up to four teachers. He will make a final decision in June.