The Ingham district pays for two full-time staffers and part- time clerical help to support the area Special Olympics, according to the Journal. Cutting those positions could save up to $250,000; the district budget is $2.2 million above revenue.
Families are opposed to the move because of the potential impact on the program, the Journal reported, but district officials said that a survey of other intermediate districts showed that most who responded do not financially support the Special Olympics.
Other special education staffing cuts are proposed as well; the board is expected to vote on the budget Feb. 17, the Journal reported.
In related news, Superintendent John Hagel of the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District has also been named superintendent of the Clinton County Regional Education Service Agency, the Argus-Press reported.
Hagel said each district will continue to operate under separate boards of education, according to the Argus-Press. The districts already collaborate on some educational services.
SOURCES:
The Lansing State Journal, "Families fight cuts to Special Olympics staff," Feb. 7, 2009
The (Owosso) Argus-Press, "Shiawassee RESD to share resources, superintendent," Feb. 6, 2009
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "Personal use of vehicles, car allowances part of benefit package in some ISDs," Feb. 29, 2008
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