New info on FWCS transformation plan

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne Community Schools will announce the next steps in moving its schools forward at a Friday press conference.

There's no denying the fact, hard times have fallen on Fort Wayne Community Schools. As FWCS prepares to make its announcement on Friday, here's what the district is facing in 2010.

Governor Mitch Daniels' cuts to public education has FWCS officials staring straight at a $15 million shortfall. Even without the cuts, it's a $7 million loss.

"In a year when he proposes every student read by third grade, he's cut the amount of money to fund full day kindergarten to get them there," said Mark GiaQuinta, FWCS Board President.

In it's attempt to "Race to the Top," FWCS is shaking up its schools. For weeks, 32 administrators waited to learn their fate. On Monday 25 were told they'd be moved from one school to another.

Now the question remains, will teachers be as lucky? Teacher negotiations have been ongoing for two weeks, and there's no answer yet.

Cuts appear to be impossible to avoid with that multimillion dollar shortfall looming. Tough decisions lie ahead for Fort Wayne Community Schools.

"We'll look at the revenue that's available to us after we've made as many cuts as we possibly can. There are lots of different opportunities out there to constantly assess and reasses," said GiaQuinta.

This story will be updated after the 10am press conference on Friday. You can also check out NewsChannel 15's News at Noon for a full report.