A looming $1.1 million budget deficit is sending shock waves through this small school district, reeling from the possible layoffs of a quarter of its Edison Junior-Senior High School teaching staff.
A dozen teachers, including nine at the high school, received notification of the layoffs May 14.
Such a scenario drew a quick and passionate response from parents and students who packed the Polk Elementary gym last week to heap criticism on the school board.
Superintendent Thomas Cripliver said although the crowd of more than 100 focused on the teachers, additional staff members will likely lose their jobs or see their hours trimmed.
More cuts are expected in athletics, band, arts and summer school programs.
"The crux to the whole thing is student enrollment," Cripliver said. Because enrollment is decreasing, the district received $332,820 less in state funding this year. Lake Station has about 1,500 students at three elementariy schools and the junior-senior high school.
The two-year budget approved by the General Assembly last month reduces the district's funding by $1.1 million, a chilling blow to students struggling with poverty in a district with little tax base to support it.
The school board has approved an open enrollment measure allowing out-of-district students to enroll for $400 a year. It hopes to snag some students from the nearby Charter School of the Dunes in Gary, which is closing its high school. Christine Pepa, the charter school's former principal, is now assistant principal at Edison.
It's also promoting its kindergarten enrollment registration June 9-10.
Cripliver said if enrollment continues to decline, there will be more cuts.
A steady parade of speakers walked to the microphone in the Polk gym to register objections to the layoffs of teachers, which by law must be completed by next month.
"Our legislature is responsible for the lack of funding and cuts, however, it's up to school board and superintendent to decide what will be cut," sophomore Drake Abramson said. "The quality of our education should outweigh everything else."
Because of the pervasive poverty in the community, he said schools are a safe haven to many students. "Instead of taking away teachers who give us purpose and hope, why not look for more ways to save one."
Penny Battista, president of the Lake Station Teachers Union, said a 25 percent cut in the secondary teaching will be devastating to programs. Battista said teachers have suggested a variety of solutions to avoid the layoffs, including a merger with the nearby and arch-rival River Forest Community School Corp., where taxpayers just a approved a referendum to raise their taxes to keep their schools solvent.
Battista said teachers also proposed closing down the central administration building and moving it to Edison. "We need to stay afloat and not be a target," she said.
Community member Russell Jorgensen drew the most applause when he suggested school board members refrain from taking health insurance benefits from the district.
"You are leaders, think about cutting your pay. I'm still trying to figure out why you guys get insurance. It makes no sense."
Cripliver said three of the board's five members receive health benefits.
The school board hasn't taken final action on the layoffs. Cripliver said the layoffs could be addressed at the board's next meeting on June 17.