House OKs Funding Cuts for Schools

The state House voted 57-53 Thursday night to approve a 3.5 percent funding cut for students in Michigan. In total, the state is slashing $1 billion from K-12 schools and cutting funds to colleges and universities by 15 percent. 

The cuts are slightly less than what Gov. Rick Snyder proposed in his February budget, which included a $300 per-pupil cut in addition to the $170 per-pupil cut already planned for 2011-12.

The current House bill would cut $256-$297 per student on top of the $170 per-pupil cut, depending on the amount of grants the school receives. However, the bill is not finalized: The differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill must be settled before a final vote. Snyder must then put his stamp of approval on the bill.

Clawson schools have already began preparing for the lost funding, and planning to make cuts in classroom supplies and other areas.

Business Services Director Gary Jackson said the district already faces a deficit of about $3.2 million due to added expenses, including increased retirement rates, and lost revenue.

Michigan lawmakers "don't know what they are doing," Jackson said. "They don't understand what's about to happen. There are so many schools that are going to be in such financial straits that they can't survive."

The Clawson school board will approve next year’s budget at its first meeting in June.

The Michigan Education Association (MEA), Michigan’s largest teachers union, said it will continue to battle the funding cuts.

"We continue to work around the clock to try to stop the GOP-controlled Legislature from cutting vital education funding that helps students, but we need your help," the Michigan Education Association said in a statement released Thursday night.