150 Michigan school systems on verge of going broke

[Bozita]

Last month it was reported that the state was training Emergency Financial Managers (EFMs). IIRC, the number of trainees was 150.


150 Michigan school systems on verge of going broke
1:40 AM, Mar. 25, 2011
BY LORI HIGGINS
DETROIT FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER

More than 150 school districts and charter schools in Michigan are teetering on the edge of going broke, a situation that is likely to get worse under Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed cuts of $470 per pupil.

These are the districts that have so little set aside in rainy day funds that Snyder's cuts -- coupled with a huge increase in retirement costs this summer -- could put them in a deficit, joining the 43 districts and charters already there.

It's a situation that has mobilized school leaders -- testifying in Lansing, writing lawmakers and sending letters to parents. They say that after years of closing schools, laying off staff and slashing programs, there's little left to cut.

• Database: See how much your district has put aside for a rainy day.

The proposed cuts would be "a final blow so powerful, it would almost undeniably shut our doors," Garden City Superintendent Michelle Cline told a state House appropriations subcommittee last week.

But some say schools need to look at doing more: sharing services, consolidating districts and asking staff to contribute more to health care.

"We cannot just cut our way out of this situation," said Tom Watkins, a former state superintendent who is now an education consultant.

more...

http://www.freep.com/article/20110325/NEWS05/103250375/150-Michigan-school-systems-verge-going-broke?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

[Brickbat]

1. I drove through the UP a couple years ago and was so impressed by the beautiful schools that were

clearly the pride and joy of these tiny towns. It makes me sad when people try to wreck that.

[safeinOhio]

2. "consolidating districts"

That is crazy. What's the largest district in the state? Detroit. Big is not better or cheaper.

[exboyfil]

3. There is a certain size in which economies of

scale make sense (fewere administrators, fewer buildings, more specialized teachers, etc). Obviously most urban school districts are far beyond this point. Where things start to break down is when the geographic separation becomes too great. For sparsely populated areas Virtual Schools are becoming much more popular.

[Bozita]

4. kick for the evening shift