Strapped Muncie Schools plans to cut 37 teaching jobs

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - The financially troubled Muncie Community Schools is planning to eliminate 37 teaching positions, including some through layoffs, because of falling enrollment.

Superintendent Steven Baule tells The Star Press (http://tspne.ws/1scWhBL ) the district sent letters to 16 teaches this week telling them they might be laid off by the end of June. Whether any layoffs occur, and how many, will depend on how many teachers retire or resign.

A financial review this year found the district has a $16 million deficit.

The district's enrollment has been declining for decades. This school year, between September and February, the district lost 98 students. State funding is based on enrollment.

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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com