MUNCIE, Ind. — The latest cost-saving strategy at Muncie Community Schools is to consider outsourcing to the private sector operations including maintenance, food service and nursing.
Supt. Tim Heller told the school board on Tuesday night the administration plans to soon issue an outsourcing request for proposals (RFP).
Meanwhile, no parents attended a public hearing conducted by the school board to receive public testimony concerning the failing performance of Southside Middle School.
Under state law, the “F” grade earned by the school required the board to conduct a public hearing regarding the school’s lack of improvement. The State Board of Education gave the school an “F” this year and last year.
School board member Michael Long told The Star Press after the meeting the purpose of the outsourcing RFP is “to see if it’s feasible.” Board member Debbie Feick said one area where outsourcing could save money is in health insurance.
During the meeting, board President Tony Costello said the board understands outsourcing would affect longtime employees “who have been very loyal to us.”
The board plans to be “as fair as possible to them” while also being “responsible to the taxpayers,” in other words “humane but financially responsible,” he said.
He noted that even the United States military is involved in outsourcing.
Another cost-cutting step being considered by the school corporation is the possible reduction in the hours of 85 instructional assistants who serve in areas including special needs and libraries.
To meet the school corporation’s year-end obligations to pay debt service and pension bond fund payments, the board authorized Chief Financial Officer Chip Mehaffey to make payments from the rainy day fund.
Otherwise, the school corporation couldn’t meet those obligations, which Mehaffey blamed on property tax caps that have severely impacted revenue at urban schools like Muncie.
The school board also