FWCS community makes final arguments

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - More concerned Fort Wayne community members were at the Grile Administrative Center, Thursday, in a last attempt to sway board members before their final decision to be made Monday, March 22nd.

FWCS has to cut $15 million dollars from its budget. Prior to Thursday evenings final Budget Reduction Public Forum, board member Kevin Brown stated his understanding of the current situation.

“We’re all frustrated. We should have never been placed in this situation, but you have to be careful about who you vote for. There were options back on November 4, 2008 and the current situation is the result of said options. Now all we can do is move forward the best way that we can.”

Thursday night’s Board Workshop aimed to focus on reviewing financial challenges, receive public comment, and make the public aware of the final decision that would be made on March 22nd.
Part of those financial challenges, included: foundation amount per student reduced in state funding formula, state grants and interest revenue declining, and tax collections decreased at the state and local level.

Board members are considering all arguments and continued to listen to community member concerns.

“The board hasn’t been presented with alternatives. Nobody wants to eliminate anything, but the seven of us took an oath to be fiscally responsible to the community and we have decided to be data driven,” said Brown, prior to Thursday evening’s public forum.

A final vote happens on Monday, March 22nd.