ISTA says thousands could lose jobs

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- - School districts across Indiana are laying off thousands of teachers in the wake of state education funding cuts.

Indiana State Teachers Association spokesman Mark Shoup said Friday the union forecasts up to 5,000 teachers may lose their jobs. That's about 8 percent of public school teachers statewide.

State schools Superintendent Tony Bennett said he believed district should be able to reduce spending without layoffs when he and Gov. Mitch Daniels announced the $300 million funding cut in December.

But Shoup says that wasn't realistic because salaries and benefits make up the largest chunk of the school budget.

Bennett questions whether all school districts have fully explored alternatives.