Interesting Times in Michigan

Last week our state legislature indicated that the new budget that they would pass for fiscal year 2009-2010 would include a $218 per pupil reduction.  In other words, districts would receive less money for the school year that started for school districts on July 1.  For Grand Ledge, the $218 per pupil reduction translates to a reduction of just under $600,000 dollars.  

Cut the fat critics say.  Do with less.  The whole world is having to prioritize, schools should do the same.  Get rid of non-essentials.  Focus only on the core.

What is the core?  Do we eliminate transportation?  That's a 2.2 million dollar expense for our district.  Do we eliminate athletics?  That's a $600,000 expense.  Do we not offer any clubs or after school activities?  Is school just what happens from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM?  

Some schools may be able to postpone difficult decisions because they have built up a fund balance.  Other schools may not be so lucky.  Will the schools that eliminate popular programs be able to retain and attract students the next year or will those districts begin a downward spiral that they will not be able to climb out of?  

Will the state be able to attract and retain highly educated employees if those employees see benefits and salaries reduced below what is comparable in other states?  

Budget decisions are difficult.  In my mind the state needs to value education because it will support our economy, create informed citizens, and help create a better future.  If we fail to support education, business development will suffer and the state will slowly decline.

My hope is that our state can figure out how to support education in a fiscally responsible manner.