3/8/13 - The state Department of Education has rejected the deficit elimination plan submitted by the Brighton School District this year, and a new one is due this month. The district had about $7.3 million in legacy debt at the end of the last school year and is required to submit a plan to the state each year outlining how that debt will be reduced. This yearâs plan was rejected by the Department of Education on Tuesday. Department Spokeswoman Jan Ellis tells WHMI that the student enrollment numbers in the plan projected an increase of 1,400 students, which was not realistic when most districts are expecting a decrease in student enrollment. The department also took issue with the planâs estimated increase in state funding of $100 per student. Superintendent Greg Gray says the plan was submitted before the governorâs latest budget was announced, and the state-shared revenue the district will actually receive is less than expected. He says the district has contracts coming due and will need to examine its employment levels to fix the plan. He tells WHMI several retirements are expected, but it is possible that layoffs will be necessary to compensate for the issues in the plan. According to the district, its budget for the year will include a $425,000 deficit unless the Lindbom School is sold before the end of June. The school is valued at $2.2 million. (TD)
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