KALAMAZOO -- The community will have a say where the budget axe will fall at Kalamazoo Public Schools, if and when the state slashes funding again. The District has formed a broad based citizens committee to figure out what to cut and what to keep as they head into what may be the toughest year yet for school funding in Michigan.

Assistant Superintendent Gary Start says the state is already estimating that schools could lose $268 in state revenue per pupil, and with the state running out of stimulus dollars, that number could easily grow. Their report is due in Mid May. The district’s budget is due on July 1st.

One trustee says it will be “rugged, arduous and even heart-wrenching”. The Committee will be chaired by Former Board Trustee Tim Bartic and Dr. Chuck Warfield, who recently co-chaired the KPS redistricting effort.