Remote Learning Results in School Custodian Layoffs

While some custodians are extremely busy due to the pandemic, others are struggling to earn a living after facility closures due to the pandemic. Board members for a district in Northwest Indiana—School City of East Chicago—approved cutting 90 staff positions, including custodians, due to a reduction in state funding after schools in the district moved to virtual learning, Associated Press reported.

An Indiana state law only ensures 85% of per pupil funding for students receiving half or more of their instruction virtually. When the school board approved the virtual learning plan, communication from state leaders assured them they would receive full state funding per student. However, three days later they received a letter from the Indiana senate president that they would only receive partial funding.

The school district superintendent said the layoffs are intended to be temporary as the district uses virtual learning for at least the first nine weeks of the school year. But the school board is frustrated with the lack of timely communication from the state and for having to take action that threatened the livelihood of district staff.