14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Mt. Vernon asking for feedback on financial crisis

Mt. Vernon asking for feedback on financial crisis

By Nicole DiDonato - bio | email
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email

MT. VERNON, IN (WFIE) - A million dollar deficit spells bad news for the Mt. Vernon School District, and this week, they sent a letter to parents explaining the crisis.

The letter is asking for parents feedback on the crisis, which could mean the closing of one elementary school.    

Right now, the Mount Vernon School District needs to cut $1 million.

They said one way to make up that money is to close Hedges Central Elementary.

So how did they come to that decision?

The four page letter sent home with every elementary student in Mount Vernon Monday is an explanation of the financial crisis facing the district.

Superintendent Doctor Keith Spurgeon said drastic action needs to happen soon.

The district has already reduced staff by 15 percent and frozen salary increases, but even that is not enough.

Based on evaluations the district did a few years ago, the school board has already decided if they need to close a school, it will be Hedges Central.

"The study we did back in 2006 pointed that would make the most sense to close for a variety of reasons," Spurgeon said.

Reasons include travel time for students to school, and economics.

Those students would either be sent to one of the two other elementary schools in Mount Vernon, or be split between the two.

As it stands, enrollment has dropped over 250 students since the 2006 study.

"If we thought we'd be overcrowded we wouldn't be doing this," Spurgeon said.

The superintendent is reaching out to parents now.

He wants to know of ways they think the district could save money.

"If people could do any volunteer stuff, or donate time or money, that might help," Yvette Thorbecke said.

"There's a lot of money going to the choirs and clothing and stuff at these schools that they have to purchase," Mary Allen said. "I think that money should go for education. I think education is more important than choirs and leagues. I think there's less importance in the education."

"Even though that may not help us solve our million dollars savings problem, it is the publics money and if somebody has an idea of how we can save money, then we ought to be doing that," Spurgeon said.

The district welcomes any suggestions by phone or email.

You can email your comments to Superintendent Dr. Keith Spurgeon.

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