Both the Brandon and Goodrich school districts reported fewer students according to enrollment numbers following the Michigan government’s state-wide head count Wednesday.
Student enrollment in the Goodrich School District fell by 14 students to 2,171, and the Brandon School District tumbled by 84 students to 3,068, compared to last year.
Higher or lower enrollment means an increase or loss in revenue for the schools. With 2006-07 per-pupil funding of $7,108 for each district, Goodrich state funding will drop by $99,512 compared to 2006, while Brandon will realize a loss of $597,072.
While both districts contend with the enrollment drop, the uncertainty of the current state budget crisis continues to loom over school officials.
‘We just really don’t know what the schools are going to get per-pupil until lawmakers agree on a budget,? said Gary Kelley, Brandon Schools interim assistant superintendent. ‘On Oct. 20, the first state aid payment for the new fiscal year is due’if we don’t receive that payment then Brandon and a lot of other districts will be facing a major crises. I’ve been in education for 37 years and I’m very concerned.?
Kelley said that Brandon’s budget was built on 3,512 students assuming a drop of 150 students however, since the enrollment dropped only 84 students a better cushion now exists. Brandon school officials say the intermediate school was up 38 students, the middle school increased 31 students, while both the elementary and high school decreased enrollment.
‘Many students, along with families are leaving the state,? said Kelley. ‘It’s more than likely an economic issue. I’ve been in education for 37 years and I’m very concerned.?
Kelley said that Brandon’s budget was built on 3,512 students, assuming a drop of 150 students. However, since the enrollment dropped only 84 students, a better cushion now exists. Brandon school officials say the intermediate school was up 38 students and the middle school increased 31 students, while both the elementary and high school decreased enrollment.
‘Many students, along with families, are leaving the state,? said Kelley. ‘It’s more than likely an economic issue.?
Similarly, the Goodrich School District is also looking for answers regarding funding. Last year, the district enrollment increased by 17 students.
‘My preliminary budget was based on flat student count and no change in state aid,? said Linda DeCamp, Goodrich Schools business manager. The difference for us is a $99,500 hit to revenue, and that is assuming that we get the same amount of money per student as we received for the 2006-2007 school year.?
DeCamp said there will be very difficult decisions to make now.
‘We don’t want to affect our classroom programs. So, how we absorb the loss is really the key. That much money is the cost of a bus or teachers? salaries.?
‘Right now they are talking about shutting down the state’if that happens, who will give us our money??