'It's Going to Be Tough': St. Clair Shores Officials Discuss School Funding Cuts

School officials in St. Clair Shores are waiting for the legislature in Lansing to pass a final funding bill to determine how much will be cut from their upcoming budget.

The Michigan House of Representatives Thursday night passed House Bill 4325, which cuts spending to K-12 schools by 3.5 percent.

Translated into dollar figures, schools in the Shores could see cuts ranging from $256 to $297 per pupil when compared with funding for the current school year. These cuts are in addition to the previous $170-per-student cut that was already in place.

"It's going to be tough," said Frank Thomas, assistant superintendent for business and human resources.

When combined with retirement rate increases, Lake Shore could be facing a $2.7-million reduction in the upcoming budget.

South Lake could be facing at least $1 million in reductions under the best scenario, according to Matthew Dishman, director of business and operations. That money would be greater depending on the size of the cuts, along with additional retirement costs.

could have seen up to $2.8 million in revenueunder the original plan proposed by the governor.

The Republican-led House approved the bill by a narrow 57-53 vote, which included a vote by State Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township.

This was a "very difficult vote for me," Forlini said.

He said the vote moved the funding bill out of the House and it now will be reconciled with the Michigan Senate version of the bill.

He pointed out that the bill approved by the House reduced the amount each district would have been cut from the governor's proposed 3.9 percent to 3.5 percent. He said he was hopeful that after the budget estimates are released in the coming week, the impact would be further reduced.

"It better look better than it does right now," said Forlini.

A father of children who went through public schools, Forlini added that any additional funds that are returned to the school budget "will make it into the classroom" and ensure "kids and teacher have the tools to get the job done."