Superintendent Mark Daniel brought an upbeat attitude to North Side High Thursday morning as students and staff returned for the new academic year, but an anticipated $10.7 million loss weighed on him.

That estimated funding shortfall is the effect of the state's new property tax reform law, the Fort Wayne Community Schools leader said as students picked up their district-provided computers and Yondr cellphone pouches in the gym.

Daniel noted next year's financial hit follows this year's tax cap loss of about $5 million – an issue the 30,000-student district addressed with staff cuts. The school board in March approved reducing about 20 central office positions by eliminating positions and by not filling vacancies created by retirements.

"All I ever hear is, 'You're top heavy,' " Daniel

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