Goodrich – Teachers are bracing themselves this week.
After school is back in session April 4, officials of Goodrich Area Schools expect to pink-slip several teachers, the third phase of a budget-reduction plan that was implemented in September 2004, following spending reduction and elimination of several clubs and activities, and proposing a millage renewal in the May 3 election.
While layoffs aren’t welcome, they’re not a surprise. School board president Michael Thorp warned residents in November that more agressive cuts were on the way.
The district has made nearly $300,000 in budget cuts this school year, says school superintendent Kim Hart, who expects another $840,000 will be cut from the 2005-2006 school budget.
Budget slashing was prompted by a plateau in school growth, a reduction in funding, and an increase in ‘the cost of doing business,? said Hart in a September 2004 interview with The Citizen.