By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich – The effects of budget cuts have local families scrambling to complete last-minute school preparations.
Between teacher layoffs, call-backs, and early retirements, schools are getting students and parents information regarding this year’s class line-ups much later than usual.
Class lists at Reid and Oaktree elementary schools weren’t published until this week. High school students schedules aren’t being mailed until Aug. 19.
Although it’s certain Aug. 29 is the first day of school for Goodrich students, the length of the calendar year is still being disputed.
Board of education members are expected to decide calendar days at the board’s Aug. 22 meeting, to be held in the community room of Goodrich High School, located at 8029 S. Gale Road in Atlas Township.
Class sizes are also uncertain, but appear to be larger than usual this year.
Two more teachers were approved by the board of education at its Aug. 15 meeting: Kevin Ayre will teach high school integrated math; Deborah Simms has been hired as the middle school half-time art teacher.
Elementary art teacher Christy Miller will spend less time with students this year, with classroom teachers teaching some art as well. The number of art hours per week has not yet been determined, says Goodrich schools superintendent Kim Hart.
Goodrich High School will retain a full art program.
The band program for students in grades five through 12 will be unchanged from last year, and one teacher will teach vocal music.
Although several subjects will be taught with a ‘slightly more eclectic approach?, the district plans to have a reading recovery teacher in place.
More teachers may be hired at the board’s discretion if class sizes are deemed too large, says Hart.
‘We can adjust and add teachers into mid-September. We won’t have the final determination until after school starts,? Hart said.