Hammond schools budget cuts costing at least 130 positions

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) - At least 130 jobs are being eliminated in northwestern Indiana's Hammond school district as part of a budget-cutting plan that includes closing three school buildings.

Districts leaders cited a projected $10.2 million budget deficit for next year that they blamed on reduced state funding with enrollment declines and revenue lost from state property tax caps.

School board President Deborah White says the district had no choice but to cut spending as it has 20 aging school buildings. State figures show the district's enrollment of about 13,200 students is down about 3 percent in two years.

Several parents spoke against closing two elementaries and a school that houses Head Start and special education programs. One argued that education won't be improved by packing more students into classrooms.