Schools expected to lose another $127 per pupil
MARQUETTE COUNTY -- It was business as usual at the Gwinn Area High School this afternoon.
But the news of even more budget cuts has administrators and teachers upset. Governor Granholm proposed an ever deeper cut of $127 per student... on top of an already huge budget cut.
The Gwinn School District initially budgeted for a loss of 26 students. That would have meant a loss of $239 thousand. Now, the new proposed cuts will result in a total loss of more than $638 thousand.
Administrators aren't happy.
"The problem is that the legislature and the government are playing politics and the kids are the ones that are suffering. They're not putting education as a high priority, they're not putting fire and police as a high priority. Those things are getting huge cuts," explains Gwinn Superintendent Michael Maino.
While many programs haven't been eliminated yet, teachers have had to deal with pay freezes. And they've seen changes in their classrooms.
"We definitely notice that there is a cut in classroom supplies. Teachers and students provide more. Parents are going to have to provide more in terms of supplies for their students. Calculators, highlighters, notebooks, folders, those sorts of things," states teacher Connie Joffee.
Many parents don't mind helping out, but they're concerned about what lies in the future.
"I think the biggest concern is losing like music curriculum and the fine arts and the cuts in P.E. Those are all important things to have well rounded children. Not being able to get them to have the opportunity to go on certain field trips or doing things that really enhance their education." states parent Kay Bammert.
The 127 dollar cut per student will take effect in 30 days... unless state lawmakers find new revenue to make up for the shortfall.
2:00 p.m - Newsroom
Just got back from talking with Gwinn superintendent Michael Maino, a teacher and a parent.
Budget cuts will really hurt already struggling districts. Although it doesn't appear that major programs will be effected yet, if this continues the outlook isn't very good.
Catch my story tonight on the Early News.
10:30 a.m. - Newsroom
I will be speaking with Gwinn area superintendent Michael Maino this morning to see how these budget cuts will impact their school district.
I'll also talk with a teacher to see how the cuts will effect classroom activities and learning.
I'll have another update on the Web site this afternoon.
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