HOLLY, Michigan - There may be some signs that the economy is beginning to recover, but according to Superintendent Kent Barnes, that recovery is not coming soon enough to help Holly Area Schools.
Barnes, along with Steve Lenar, assistant superintendent of administrative services, hosted the second of three Community Forums, aimed at giving Holly Area Schools stakeholders a picture of what the district budget looks like today and what it may look like a few years from now.
Lenar gave a visual presentation of facts and figures to show among other things that two factors are the root cause of school budget woes – specifically, the decline in birth rate in Michigan, coupled with the numbers of families moving out of the state equals a serious decline in pupil enrollment, which results in less money from the state.
According to Lenar’s figures, acquired from the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan birth rates have steadily declined between 1988 and 1997, with the exception being 1990 and 1991, when they went up slightly. Lenar also reported figures from the Michigan State Demographer, Library of Michigan that since July 2008, approximately 30,000 to 35,000 have left the state.
On this last day of December 2009, I want to thank our parents, guardians, community members, and our staff members for all of their efforts for our students. Many wonderful events have occurred this year through academics and athletics as well as with our students and staff members working with local organizations. Whether it be with the local Kiwanis Club, Neighbor for Neighbor, Lions Club, Angel Food, or other religious or civic organizations, thanks to all those individuals who have worked so diligently for the Holly Area School communities.
During the upcoming months, many decisions will have to be made regarding school district budget that, in turn, impacts personnel and programs. While I will be meeting with school district personnel to review, reflect, and garner ideas/proposals for our school district, I will also be meeting with community members.
To any local civic group, I am willing to meet with your group to share how the state’s budget concerns impact our school district. The second community forum will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at the Karl Richter Campus at 6:00 p.m. In a similar fashion, I will be meeting with representatives of our schools’ parent organizations as well as local business and community leaders.
Re: No director, no program: Holly DDA director position still tabled
Posted on Wednesday, March 10 2010 by Janet Leslie.I do not mean to imply that the DDA board had no meaningful discussions at their meeting...
Re: No director, no program: Holly DDA director position still tabled
Posted on Wednesday, March 10 2010 by Janet Leslie.My understanding of the village council's budget discussions last week is that they discussed...
Re: No director, no program: Holly DDA director position still tabled
Posted on Tuesday, March 09 2010 by Cathy.So does this mean we are on the verge of losing our Main Street Program and does the DDA Board...