State's economic situation and budget mess hit close to home

5/23/07

With daily news of the state's ongoing economic problems and the budget fiasco in Lansing, many wondered when the issues would reach our own schools.

It appears that time has come.

Facing increasing costs due to inflation, fuel prices and health care and retiree benefits, decreasing revenue from the state, a slowing of revenue growth from our local tax base, and fewer kids moving into town, our schools for first time in recent memory are having to make some difficult decisions.

School administration was recently tasked with a tough job - balancing the school's budget under these circumstances. This is something those in Lansing haven't been able to do with the state budget, but it appears that in Novi we're on track to make the tough decisions and move forward.

The Novi Community Schools Board of Education reviewed, discussed and took action (RELATED NEWS) on layoffs, cost savings, and revenue enhancements proposed by school administration at their regularly scheduled May 17th work session meeting.

These aren't easy decisions, for the school administrators or our school board, and the changes necessitated aren't their fault. The changes are necessary as a result of the various economic situations that all came to a head at the same time.

We the People are pleased school administration has already come up with a plan, and that our school board is already taking action on what is obviously a difficult task. Cutting school costs and asking kids to pay for activities isn't easy, and many in town won't be pleased, but it must be done to balance the budget.

Let's keep in mind that the state's economy and the city's slowing growth are not the fault of our schools. The best thing we can do is continue to support our schools as they move through these difficult decisions. Such support can only help our kids, our schools, and therefore our entire city.

p.s. - Newsweek once again named Novi High School in its list of the top 5% of high schools in the country. Certainly by this measure, our schools are continuing to do an outstanding job educating our youth.

Be sure to thank your teachers, school administrators, school board members, and the community for voting yes on the school bond and continuing to support our fine school system.