Indiana School for the Deaf Faces Major Cuts Due to State Budget Shortfall

A significant state budget reduction has forced the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) to eliminate 26+ staff positions—impacting teachers, nurses, overnight caregivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians. With these cuts, every staff member will share responsibility for cleaning classrooms and hallways, aside from bathrooms.

Jeffrey Spinale Jr., President of the Indiana Association of the Deaf, emphasized that severing these essential staff–student connections is a serious injustice to the ISD community. The $3 million reduction in funding threatens the school's ability to support its 350 students—from preschool through 12th grade—especially regarding overnight health care services.

Specifically, nine teachers and four substitute teachers were laid off, leaving students with limited access to nighttime nursing care.

Concerned parents like Katy Aiello shared that, while ISD fosters pride in Deaf culture and a strong sense of community, the staff cuts raise fears over increased workloads, reduced training days, diminished athletic and nutritional support, and fewer opportunities for professional development.

The Indiana Association of the Deaf is urging Governor Mike Braun and lawmakers to:

1. Restore ISD's operational budget to $20.4 million with the same 2% increase allotted to other public schools

2. Ensure long-term financial stability for professional staffing

3. Visit the school to meet students and families firsthand.

   
   

Read the Article - WRTV