The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Board finishes up budget forums
Board discusses way to recover from $5.4 million defecit
By Tom Perkins, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2008
The Ypsilanti Public School District Board held the second of two public forums on the financial issues facing the district.
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About a dozen community members attended a meeting held two weeks ago, which was mostly an informative session. The board discussed viable options in avoiding running a projected $5.4 million deficit next school year, wihch it says is a result of operating costs rising quicker than funding increases.
"I would have assessed the audience reaction as 'Thanks for letting us know,'" Board President David Bates said.
He added that community members have been anxious over the idea of a merger with another district, though properly lobbying the state and increasing funding through a county-wide bond are more likely scenarios.
"There are no concrete plans," Bates said.
The district has shaved $17 million from its budget over the last five years, and the board believes further cuts would adversely affect students' education.
"The reality is there is just no way we can cut the budget anymore," Bates said.
The YPSD board also rallied the Michigan Association of School Boards to take on a leadership role in addressing the state legislature at their recent member conference, and Bates said YPSD will move quickly to address the issue after early next year.
"We'll have to get serious about these issues after the holidays," he said.
Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for the View/Courier. He can be reached at trperkins@gmail.com.
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