Schools Chief: Dexter Could Face Tough Budget Choices

Like their counterparts across Michigan, Dexter Community Schools officials are waiting with bated breath for the state's revised budget cuts for the 2011-12 school year.

During a budget presentation at this week, Superintendent Mary Marshall told parents, "Everything is on the table."

Budget decisions pending at the state level include cutting per-pupil funding by $470.

"Whatever happens, it will be unpleasant. We know we will have to make reductions. We will do our best to keep those out of the classroom," Marshall said.

Gov. Rick Snyder has called for the Legislature to submit its budget by May 31, though it is only required by law to submit a balanced budget by September. However, Marshall said schools and colleges begin their fiscal year on July 1, making their budgets must be balanced and submitted by June 30.

One thing is certain: Public school districts can expect a continuation of the $170-per-student reduction that's already in place for the current fiscal year. A House subcommittee recommended last week that school funding be cut next year by an additional 3.9 percent—a reduction that would range from $285 to $331 per student, depending on what districts now receive from the state.

State Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Township) said that Michigan is losing jobs and people and that some of his constituents believe there are significant inefficiencies in school budgets. Ouimet said he couldn't predict how Dexter might be affected by the proposed budget cuts but agreed that further reductions to education are not ideal.

"We are focused on creating a long-term, sustainable solution that makes
Michigan competitive for jobs for years to come," Ouimet said. "The governor has always said that everyone should share in the sacrifice until Michigan begins
heading in the right direction."

The budget cuts could mean teacher layoffs, and members of
local teachers union plan to gather this Saturday at the University of Michigan
spring commencement at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor to let Snyder, the keynote speaker, know how upset they are about proposed cuts to education.

Joe Romeo, president of the Dexter Teachers Association, said that
teachers are greatly concerned about the state's budget.

"We are fearful of working under conditions established by someone not familiar with or committed to our students, our teachers, our administrators and our community," Romeo said. "There are many proposals that would make it more difficult for districts to bargain with local businesses or community members to provide products or services to the district. There are also proposals aimed at destabilizing school districts' relationships with employees and the community."

Marshall is seeking input from the community about possible budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. Parents are asked to log on to the district website to share ideas. Members of the community are invited to attend a district budget meeting at the Mill Creek cafeteria on May 17 at 7 p.m.