HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. — A financial review team has asked Gov. Snyder to appoint an emergency financial manager for Highland Park Schools, according to The Detroit News. If the governor accepts the recommendation, Highland Park would join Detroit Public Schools as the only two school districts in the state with an emergency manager.
According to The News, Highland Park’s debt increased 51 percent over the last year to $11.3 million. The district ran a $3.8 million deficit in fiscal year 2011. Student enrollment has also plunged according to the News, dropping from 3,179 students in 2006 to 1,331 for the 2010-11 school year. The district is expected to drop below 1,000. The News also reports the review team found school officials to be uncooperative and that the district has a history of reporting inaccurate financial information to the Department of education.
SOURCE:
The Detroit News, “Highland Park schools facing financial crisis,” Jan. 5, 2012
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, “Detroit Public Schools shows first surplus in four years,” Dec. 6, 2011
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