Survey shows state schools need 'transformational change,' leader says
Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
Lansing -- More than one in five Michigan school districts faces a deficit in the coming year, a survey of schools revealed today.
The survey by Michigan School Business Officials found 22 percent of school districts are looking at a deficit, 96 percent anticipate layoffs or not filling vacancies, 48 percent intend to eliminate or significantly reduce athletic programs and 54 percent plan to scrap other educational programs.
"The funding mechanism for public schools is broken," said Thomas White, chairman of Save Our Students, Schools and State, a coalition of 16 education groups, including Michigan School Business Officials. "It's clear we're continuing to head toward the cliff. (School districts) are lined up. Some are closer than others, some are falling off the edge.
"We see a need for transformational change, not just in the way we're funded but in the way we deliver services."
The survey of more than 300 of the state's 550-plus local districts indicates 47 face deficits this year and 60-80 next year, said David Martell, executive director of Michigan School Business Officials.
"That means bankruptcy, out of money," Martell said.
He said that the number of districts that go into deficit likely will be smaller because some will cut staff, bus transportation, athletics and academic programs to keep from going into the red.
He added 3,000 teaching and other school employee positions will be eliminated this year and 4,000 next year.
Thomas Moline, superintendent in the Royal Oak Public Schools, said his district is eliminating transportation, looking to privatize custodial and grounds maintenance, cutting back on counselors and social workers and reducing central office support staff in half.
"We're trying to protect direct classroom services, but if we have the same kind of cuts next year, we may not be able to do that," Moline said.
Other survey findings include:
• 85 percent of districts report class sizes will increase because of staff cuts and closing schools.
• 46 percent will reduce or eliminate bus transportation for students.
• 76 percent plan to consolidate services with other districts to help reduce costs.
• 53 percent will cancel orders for new buses or other major capital spending.
• 83 percent will freeze salaries and benefits for some or all employees.
• 56 percent of districts will reduce or eliminate field trips and other extracurricular activities.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100308/SCHOOLS/3080378/Survey-shows-state-schools-need--transformational-change---leader-says#ixzz0hdRD5M1C