Community Forum Budget Overview
As you know, we have a phenomenal staff that works hard every day to provide our children a first-rate education. We are also fortunate to have dedicated families and a community that understands the importance of education. However, the financial resources we have to educate our children are in jeopardy. Governor Snyder’s proposed budget includes deep cuts to public education which will severely impact our children’s education in Saginaw Public Schools and the community.
Governor’s Proposed Budget
Governor Snyder’s budget includes a $470 per student reduction plus a mandated increase in state retirement costs of $236 per student for a total of $706 per student.
Plus Additional Expenditure Increases
Loss of revenue from declining enrollment, special education funding, and expiring federal stimulus funds, coupled with increases such as health care costs and supplies (utilities, fuel, etc), add an additional $927 per student for a total shortfall of $1,633 per student or $13,362,897. This $13.4 million deficit represents approximately 13.4% of Saginaw Public Schools’ budget.
How does $13.4 million compare to our budget?
The following extreme EXAMPLES demonstrate the magnitude of the problem:
▪ Reduce staffing by 15% = $11.1 million
▪ Implement pay-to-play ($25/MS, $50/HS, $75 max/student, $250 max/household= $50,000)
▪ Cut six building principals = $600,000
▪ Contract managed services for custodial and facilities departments =
$1.5 million
▪ Implement 4-10 furlough days = $1.2 – $3.0 million
▪ Decrease funding for capital projects = $200,000
What can we do?
In the last four years, we have cut $15.6 million from our budget and initiated ongoing cost savings, including eliminating positions, consolidation of administrative positions, and changes in employee health plans, to help maintain a balanced budget. Please take our sample letter to personalize and send to Governor Snyder and our state legislators. Let them know we need equitable and adequate funding to ensure the success of every child. Our children’s future depends on our voices being heard.
We will continue to provide a high quality education to every student as well as remain fiscally accountable to our community. |
