A storm of changes has hit Bloomington High School North, impacting both students and teachers. The recent staff alterations have shaken up the school's daily routine, leaving many wondering about the future.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) has been dealing with funding cuts, which has led to a series of staffing changes. The main culprit? Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), a tax relief bill that's expected to reduce MCCSC's budget by a whopping $17 million over the next three years. This has resulted in limited job opportunities and a slowdown in hiring, as the school board implements cost-cutting measures.
On April 14, hundreds of teachers gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for the "Red for Ed" rally, organized by the Indiana State Teachers Association. This "Day of Action" was a response to the new legislation, with teachers expressing their concerns about the impact on key services. Critics argue that SEA 1 is misleading and harmful, while supporters claim it will provide much-needed tax relief and boost businesses.
And this is the part most people miss...
The staffing changes and cuts are not solely due to funding reductions. MCCSC is also facing a decline in the population of school-aged youth in the county. Student enrollment is expected to continue dropping, with factors like competition from charter schools, decreasing population, and lower birth rates all playing a role. Six years ago, MCCSC had over 800 more students, and in the past four years, there's been a 500-person increase in resident students opting for non-MCCSC schools.
As a result, the school has seen an increase in payroll costs of $28.6 million over the past three years. Some teachers and staff received late notice of these changes, with some learning about the board's decision as late as July. More than 10 certified teaching positions were eliminated, and certain staff members had to adapt to teaching new subjects due to internal shuffling.
The consequences of these changes are evident: larger classes, some in cramped spaces, and a rearrangement of course offerings. For instance, video production and dual credit theater appreciation classes were removed, and an advanced choir class was replaced with music theory.
Even non-teaching staff positions were targeted, with around 60 custodial, food service, and health staff being laid off across the corporation, including at North. Janitors are now stretched thin, trying to maintain the school's upkeep. MCCSC officials attribute many of these custodial roles to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
MCCSC leadership has explained their plan to navigate this financial instability. Sarah DeWeese, the director of strategic communications, mentioned cuts to administrative positions, stating, "Reductions also included central office administrators, support staff, information technology, transportation, and food services."
The original goal was to leverage natural attrition to reduce staffing respectfully and methodically. DeWeese explained, "Primarily through natural attrition of voluntary employee retirements and resignations, more than 200 positions have been eliminated. The majority of positions eliminated were through voluntary retirements and resignations."
Jeffrey Henderson, the assistant superintendent for human resources and operations, reported at the August school board meeting that the student-certificated staff ratio has remained almost unchanged since the 2019-2020 school year.
According to the MCCSC website, "Our team has worked diligently and thoughtfully to minimize direct impacts on students and teachers, and because of this work, we are moving in the right direction."
Teachers and staff are still adjusting to these changes implemented at the start of the school year. The decreased funding and declining student enrollment will undoubtedly shape the future of the school.
Nash Henry, The Herald-Times high school correspondent at Bloomington High School North, brings us this report.
What are your thoughts on these changes and their potential long-term effects? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a respectful discussion in the comments below!
