BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - Birmingham School District teachers will have to "pay-to-plug" beginning in January, according to a student newspaper, as the district stops footing the electric bill for extra appliances that teachers bring to school.
An inventory of Seaholm High School turned up more than 280 appliances, including space heaters, microwaves and small refrigerators that belong to school employees, the Seaholm Highlander reported.
Principal Terry Piper told the Highlander that, "When we didn't have to worry about finances, we figured okay, whatever they cost we can just cover that as a district. But now, you know, we're looking for every possible way to save money."
The Birmingham School District pays about $5 million annually for utilities, with electricity costs as the major share, according to the Highlander. Teachers now will have to pay an annual amount to use personal appliances, such as $26 for a radio or $151 for a full-size refrigerator.
Piper said she expects electricity use to decrease, which will save money and also make the district "greener," the Highlander reported.
SOURCE:
Seaholm
Highlander, "BPS
staff now must choose between tossing extra electronics or paying to keep them,"
Dec. 17, 2009
FURTHER
READING:
Mackinac
Center for Public Policy, "A Michigan School Money Primer,"
May 30, 2007
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.