LANSING, Mich. — Almost 50 of Michigan’s 550 school districts posted a budget deficit for 2010-2011, according to The Grand Rapids Press, with 22 districts overspending by at least $1 million. These figures represent a substantial increase from a decade ago, when 18 districts were in the red and only three had deficits larger than $1 million.
“Every district has unique reasons for why they are in a deficit,” Michigan Department of Education spokeswoman Jan Ellis told The Press.
Ellis also noted that 165 school districts have posted deficits at some point over the last 21 years, according to The Press. About 20 percent of these districts took three years or longer to bring their spending back in line with revenues.
SOURCE:
The Grand Rapids Press, “Nearly 50 Michigan school districts posted deficits, 22 are $1 million or more in the red” Jan. 11, 2012
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Capitol Confidential, “Reality Check: Who Is to Blame For School Deficits?” Jan. 16, 2012
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