Schools to present budget solution ideas

Clarkston Board of Education will consider short-term budget solutions at its Dec. 14 meeting.
Priority will be to preserve classroom programs, said Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts.
This year’s budget faces $292 per-pupil cuts in state funding, about $2.4 million total. District administration formed a short-term budget team to look for mid-year budget cuts not affecting the classroom, as well as grant opportunities, Roberts said.
‘We are working with leaders of our parent groups and in the future will host community information sessions,? he said. ‘We are also setting up a way for feedback and suggestions.?
About half the district’s fund balance is already budgeted this year, taking it from $12.4 million to $6.35 million.
Up to $1,000 per student in state cuts is expected in coming years ? the district’s long-term budget team is considering more ideas and solutions and will present its findings in late February or early March.
? Wendi Reardon