…..headlines from the February 9, 2008 Detroit News echo the problems school districts across the state are facing due to the uncertainty of state funding.  As noted in the article, Howell Public Schools, Ann Arbor Public Schools, and Chippewa Valley School District are now in the situation of having bonds approved and  have built or renovated schools only to find they do not have the money to operate them. Rising operational costs, lower state funding per pupil, dwindling enrollment, and a poor state economy have created the perfect storm for districts trying to plan accurately for future needs. 

As quoted from a parent in the Ann Arbor district, “What’s frustrating is under the laws we have in this state, we can vote locally to build a school but we cannot vote locally for the money to hire new teachers or make the class sizes smaller…”

 

Comparison with Other Districts….

The question is often raised as to why other school districts have been able to build and operate a second high school.  As an example, Forest Hills Public Schools currently has built and is operating three high schools. The comparison of foundation grant allowances gives us a snapshot of the inequity of funding.

 

Why Rockford Public Schools Will Not, At This Time, Build Additional School Buildings...

Following is a comparison of 2007-08 foundation grant allowances between districts:

             Foundation Allowance            Comparison

Rockford                          $7,204

Ann Arbor                        $9,667         +$2,463

Forest Hills                       $8,383         +$1,179

Based on our current enrollment of approximately 8,000 students, Rockford Public Schools (RPS) would have an additional $9.5 million for annual operating expenses if RPS received the same foundation grant allowance as Forest Hills Public Schools ($8,383) If Rockford Public Schools received the same level of funding as Ann Arbor Public Schools ($9,667), RPS would have an additional $20 million for annual operating expenses.

In other words, Rockford Public Schools would have the ability to operate a second high school and the monies necessary to cover expenses of other programs if our foundation grant allowance was comparable.

“New Schools Now Too Costly To Operate”