ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. - The money saved by privatizing custodial and maintenance services and eliminating transportation, combined with increased enrollment, will allow Lakeview Public Schools to maintain staffing levels and buy textbooks and technology in the coming year, according to a report in The Macomb Daily.
The Macomb County district anticipates a 4.5 percent increase in the number of students, combining in-district and schools-of-choice growth, The Daily reported. The budget for 2009-2010 includes $200,000 in computer and other technology purchases and $100,000 in instructional material.
The Daily reported that the unpopular decision to outsource custodial and maintenance work in 2006 led to an unsuccessful recall effort against four board members at that time.
Daniel Dombrowski, school board president, told The Daily that the decisions were both controversial and difficult, and said, "All we knew is we were facing some significant shortfalls."
He said he believes families are attracted to the district by its curriculum, extracurricular activities and the community at large.
SOURCE:
The Macomb Daily, "Lakeview Schools buck trend," June 11, 2009
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "Privatization numbers up again," Aug. 19, 2008
Michigan Privatization Report, "School board members survive recall attempt," July 26, 2006
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