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| Stranger Than Fiction: Michigan School District Could Close Over Finances |
| posted by: Ruthie | May 14, 2013, 04:42 PM |
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While students and teachers are usually overjoyed after completing a long productive school year, in Buena Vista, Michigan, there is no excitement as this year ends. This week, following a nationally scrutinized financial crisis, the Buena Vista school district awaits a decision regarding closing schools a month early due to lack of funds. The closing began late yesterday, when the board voted to lay off the superintendent, executive secretary and a payroll employee in an effort to keep students in school. The district then cancelled classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, in order to meet and devise a way to pay the May 24th payroll. However, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday passed and schools didn't re-open. By the end of the week, the Buena Vista School district fired all of its teachers and schools closed for the remainder of the year. The Department of Education received an acceptable deficit elimination plan late Monday and the board will meet tonight to vote on the plan. "We think we could approve that," said State Superintendent Mike Flanagan, at a State Board of Education meeting. Before yesterday's deficit elimination plan surfaced, Title I and Title 31A grants were going to fund a six-hour, voluntary "skills camp" for students until June. Unfortunately, this rudimentary option does not include programs for special needs students. Moreover, few parents, teachers, or legislators view this make shift, six-hour "skills camp" as viable schooling option for students. "The students of Buena Vista have a constitutional right to an education and deserve the same educational opportunities as other Michigan children, and that means being in a classroom full-time to complete their school year," said Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), who represents Buena Vista. "I do not believe that a voluntary camp amounts to a proper education for the children of Buena Vista. Similarly, parents are also irate over the situation, making every possible move to place their children in local charter schools or into a different district. "I just don't have time for public schools anymore," said one mother. "They have too many money problems. I was raised here. I wanted at least one of my daughters to graduate from my high school. But I don't think it will exist next year." The deficit that lead to the bankrupt schools began years ago, as Buena Vista saw enrollment decline and funds dissipate. However, the immediate cause of its latest trouble boils down to an accounting error. Buena Vista accepted money for running the Wolverine Secure Treatment Center, an alternative school, even though the district was no longer working with the center–then spent it. Now, the state is freezing school funding for at least three months to recoup about $402,000. The fate of this school district ultimately remains in limbo until tonight's vote. It has been reported that state legislators are stuck between a rock and a hard place, as bailing the district out sets a "dangerous precedence," according to Governor Snyder. While this situation in Buena Vista is extreme, states and districts across the country experiencing financial should learn for these mistakes. No longer can districts meet unsustainable financial demands or keep up with bloated bureaucracies in the wake of dwindling enrollment numbers. The long term effects of these school closings on students and teachers could prove disastrous. How do you think Michigan should handle this crisis? Comment below.
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