Mr. Allen, Mr. McDowell  - Any Ideas?

It has been only twelve weeks since Proposal Five (guaranteed funding for public schools) was soundly defeated in last November’s election and, as predicted, school districts are being informed they will likely not receive the $210 per student as promised for this 06-07 school year.  Even though budgets were established eight months ago and this promised increase is technically spent, many school districts will be challenged in the coming weeks with cutting staff and programs – right in the middle of the school year!  Clearly, our current state fiscal crisis was no surprise.  The following conditions have either been predicted or evident for some time:

• This is the third time in five years that school districts have received cuts.
• When factoring in these reductions, the average annual increases during the past twelve years have been less than the CPI (cost of living).
• 68% of Michigan school districts have declining enrollment. Compared to the last school year, there are 15,000 fewer students in Michigan school districts.
• The combined 06-07 General Fund and School Aid Fund revenue shortfall is over 800 million dollars, nearly 4% of all state expenditures. 
• Even if the Single Business Tax (generates two billion dollars) is renewed or replaced with an equivalent amount, there is still a structural deficit of over 500 million in revenue the state needs annually.
• Michigan is among the top ten states in the country for slashing taxes, but near the bottom of states when it comes to job creation because of our auto industry.

At HSPS, we did predict this fiscal crisis, and have worked diligently during the past six years to trim our costs.  This cost cutting has not been without some pain.  We now have fewer counselors, media center specialists, custodians, bus runs, community school staff, cooks, administrators and classroom aides.  We are now alarmingly close to making reductions in our academic programming (varied course offerings and optimal class sizes).  Harming the heart of our mission, teaching and learning, would be regrettable!  Our Governor has at least confronted the crisis by publicly addressing the problem and establishing a commission of experts to frame a meaningful direction.   I challenge our veteran legislators, Senator Jason Allen and House Representative Gary McDowell, to not be bashful and actively participate in developing a long-term solution to this ongoing funding crisis.  We need your leadership!