BRIGHTON, Mich. - Gov. Jennifer Granholm made a pitch in Brighton Wednesday for the "targeted tax revenue" she said is necessary to avoid nearly doubling school budget cuts, according to the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.
In a private meeting with Livingston County school officials and select community members, the governor said that the currently estimated cut of $165 per pupil in 2009-2010 was based on May revenue estimates, the Press & Argus reported. Newer figures show even lower tax revenue than expected, so school cuts likely will be deeper unless other revenue fills the gap, the governor said, according to the report.
Media were not allowed to attend the meeting, but Granholm and others met with reporters later, according to the Press & Argus.
Pinckney Community Schools Superintendent Dan Danosky told the Press & Argus that, rather than look for new revenue to fill budget gaps when they occur, the state should change the way it pays for education.
While open to long-term reform ideas, Granholm said that Michigan must "stop the bleeding" first, the Press & Argus reported.
Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Greg Gray told the Press & Argus that he suggested the meeting to the governor's office on Tuesday. Brighton's current budget calls for $6.5 million in overspending, which Gray called "conservative." He said the district is eliminating all positions possible under existing contracts.
SOURCE:
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, "Gov. tells
educators state must 'stop the bleeding,'" Oct. 22, 2009
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "Brighton teachers to pay more for insurance," Sept. 15, 2009
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