The Budget Is All Around Us

No matter where you look, or no matter what you hear, budget and economic woes seem to surround us. With the country in the midst of the most dire economic circumstances in memory, there are actions school districts must take to prepare for next school year. And that's what we're doing here in Grosse Pointe.

The pressure point for our district is not just the economics of Michigan, but an impending decline in enrollment. Simply stated, fewer students means less revenue from the state. The decline in enrollment is not just a Grosse Pointe phenomenon, nor even a population trend specific to Michigan, but rather a national decline that will be with us for quite some time.

The class of 2008 was one of the largest in the nation, the final installment of the baby boom echo. However, predictions for the next 10-15 years show a steady decline in the school age population. School districts across the country are preparing for the upcoming loss of revenue.

Each of the schools in our district will have their belts tightened next year. It will mean a reduction in staff and less money for school programs. However, all of us will do our part to keep the cuts away from students whenever possible.

Wish us luck.