3/1/13 - A Brighton school board member says a state appointed emergency manager may just be whatâs needed to put the district in a position of control and oversight to force financial reform. The district faces a half million dollar deficit for the current fiscal year, based on cuts from the state and a continued decline in student enrollment, resulting in the loss of per pupil funding. However, the district is hoping to sell the vacant Lindbom building to offset the projected loss. At least one board member, John Conely, feels the district is headed in the wrong direction financially. He made a presentation at Monday night's school board meeting (posted below) about the budget and feels an emergency manager would be helpful in solving budget woes. Conely says administration presents numbers in the best light at the time they get them, but it seems they repeatedly come in different than expected. Conely feels all labor groups should be brought to the table to balance the deficit, so the district doesnât have to cut any programs and he tells WHMI the appointment of an emergency manager would allow for that to happen. At least two other district officials disagree. Board of Education President Miles Vieau says the district is not at any point where it needs an emergency manager but noted that once all "fat" has been trimmed from the budget, across the board cuts may be necessary. As to the overall numbers, school districts across the state are forced to build budgets on estimates because of how the state operates. Superintendent Dr. Greg Gray says the budget is well documented and the numbers "are what they are" but the district has been making steady progress and is working with the state to erase its legacy deficit, which is now down to around $7 (m) million. (JK)
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