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Last updated on Wednesday, June 5, 2013
(UNDATED) - Ivy Tech Community College says they may possibly close up to 20 facilities satewide.
The school is considering closing a quarter of its 72 facilities because of a nearly $68 million deficit.
A.J. Brammer of WFIU reports that Ivy Tech officials blame the closings on state funding that has not kept up with higher operating costs and increased enrollment, even though the 2013 budget increased state funding to the school by $14 million.
The facilities closing will be those that the college does not own the building where classes are held. Which means the campus in Bedford could close.
Lawrence County Economic Growth Council Director Gene McCracken says he worries about what would happen if students in this area did not have the option of a community college.
"It's important to have this continuing education, especially in the manufacturing industry where things change seemingly overnight," McCracken says. "So to keep up with technology, to keep up with new and emerging I just think it's necessary to have a campus like that close to you so you can get its true value."
The college's board of trustees plans to meet next week to consider the possible cuts, although Ivy Tech Chief Financial Officer Chris Ruhl says a decision is not likely for some time.
Ivy Tech officials met Monday to discuss another budget issue-a tuition rate increase.
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