KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — With state lawmakers facing dramatic losses in state revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kalamazoo Public School officials are hoping lawmakers in Washington will also include them in their next stimulus package.
During a virtual meeting Thursday evening, KPS trustees approved a resolution that will be mailed to the nation’s Capitol, urging them to help offset state cuts coming from state coffers.
Interim Superintendent Gary Start says they have a lot of reductions to make and not a lot of time to make them.
“Due to the coronavirus, we have many challenges ahead of us and, from a financial standpoint, the most significant challenge I’ve ever seen in my career,” Start said.
Trustee Ken Greschak presented the resolution for approval during the meeting.
He says the state cuts are coming just as they need more funding to protect students from the virus. Those include increased cleaning costs, reorganization of learning spaces to accommodate social distancing, and expanded access to school-based mental health services.
House Democrats have included over $56-billion dollars for K-12 schools in their latest stimulus package, but the White House and the Republican Senate have their own proposals.
During their last meeting, KPS trustees estimated funding could be cut by 10 to 25% for this coming school year, which could result in possible layoffs and cuts to student programs, wages, and other budget items. The 25% cut in funding could amount to a loss of about $27-million dollars.
Despite the uncertainty on if schools can reopen this fall, by law, districts must send their proposed budgets to Lansing by July 1st. Kalamazoo schools could lose $650 dollars per pupil or more.
In addition, there are several concerns on what may happen if schools cannot return to normal. By fall parents may have gone back to work, daycares could be an issue, and students might not have the support for virtual classes like they do now.
It’s still unclear what will happen for the upcoming school year. Trustees hope they will be able to open the doors and welcome students back, but they plan to be ready if they cannot.
Board President Patti Sholler-Barber says trustees and administrators will begin meeting with staff and the community next week to get input on where cuts might be made.
Virtual budget meetings are set for June 1st and 2nd at 7 p.m. and June 8th at 3:30 p.m. The forums will be live-streamed on the Public Media Network and more information can be found on KPS’ website.
(John McNeill contributed to this report.)
