Superintendent talks budget cuts with stakeholders

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Kent Barnes, Superintendent fo...

HOLLY, Michigan – As members of the Holly Area School Board prepare to cut a  projected $3.3 million from the 2012-2013 budget, Superintendent Kent Barnes has already been busy putting the kibosh on rumors that yet another HAS building will be closing.

On Monday evening, Barnes spoke to concerned Davisburg Elementary School parents about the budget, and also took the opportunity to squelch a myriad of rumors going around the district regarding building closings. In addition to flattening rumors, Barnes gave stakeholders a no-frills rundown on all of the financial obstacles the district is currently facing.

Due to a lower than anticipated student count, Barnes said the district started the 2011-2012 school year with a $1 million deficit.  Because the shortage of funds occurred mid-year, the board opted to dip into its fund equity to cover the gap.

Barnes said the board anticipates an additional loss of 100 students for the 2012-2013 school year, resulting in a projected loss of $680,000.

In addition, Barnes said the district will pay $500,000 in retirement rate increases, $200,000 in health care premium increases, $350,000 in reduced Medicaid funding, and will lose $275,000 in dual diagnosis center programs, and $250,000 in Public Act-18 special education dollars.

Barnes said he will be making budget cut recommendations totaling $3.3 million during the March 12 HAS board meeting. Barnes encourages all concerned stakeholders in the district to attend the meeting.

As for rumors of closing  additional school buildings in the district, Barnes’ message was clear.

“There are no building closings and no movement of grades in next year’s recommendations,” Barnes said. “The district is not selling the former middle school building, either.”

On Thursday, Barnes will be making a similar presentation to parents at Rose Pioneer Elementary School, and said he will be contacting other principals in the district to see if additional meetings are necessary.

The board is expected to vote on Barnes’ budget cut recommendations during the March 26 meeting.

Those having thoughts or recommendations regarding budget or curriculum are asked to contact Barnes via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail them to him at 920 Baird St., Holly, MI 48442.