GRPS unveils budget with $10M in cuts

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The $10 million in budget cuts proposed Monday night by Grand Rapids Public Schools administrators includes eliminating 88 teaching positions and 8.5 administrator positions, among other staff cuts.

Employee salaries account for 48 percent of the GRPS general fund budget, according to a district presentation. Benefits account for 24 percent.

Thanks to a high number of already announced retirements -- and the potential for more under a statewide incentive passed by the Michigan legislature last week -- administrators said those job cuts may not require any layoffs.

The $10 million in projected savings includes a net $1.3 million spending cut tied to the proposal to change how some high school courses are taught. That includes the "blended" model for high school social studies and many high school math classes, along with online-only classes for students and parents who opt in.

The high school plan would save $2.5 million by reducing teaching positions, but costs tied to the changes -- including $396,000 for additional information technology staff and $377,000 for software licenses -- bring the net savings down to the $1.3 million figure.

Debate continued Monday night over the school board's role in the proposed changes. The board could express disapproval with those changes by rejecting the budget proposed by administrators. But board member Tony Baker said the board was limiting its voice, saying members could send a message to Superintendent Bernard Taylor expressing unwillingness to support the changes prior to that budget vote.

Teachers union President Paul Helder distributed a copy of an excerpt of the state's school code at Monday's meeting, highlighting the portions which state that school boards shall determine a program for delivering instruction after consulting with teachers and administrators.

Other sources of savings in the proposed budget include fewer music and art teachers at the elementary level ($1.2 million), the previously approved building closures ($1 million) and reduced special education spending ($833,000).

The budget is based on a projected per-student funding cut from the state of $255. The state budget is not due until the fall and lawmakers have not set a per-student funding rate.

In an interview after the meeting, GRPS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Freiburger acknowledged planning on a $255 cut was expecting the worst -- but she said it was better than having to make further cuts once the school year is underway.

The district expects to serve 361 fewer students in 2010-11.

Administrators' budget proposal uses $4 million in fund balance, sometimes dubbed a "rainy day fund," to make up the remainder of the district's projected $14 million shortfall.

A budget hearing is set for 6 p.m. Monday, May 24 at Ottawa Hills High School.

In a separate action Monday night, the board approved the superintendent's evaluation on a split vote. The evaluation concluded Taylor "consistently meets expectations."