Survey: MI schools bracing for layoffs

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A new survey says 86 percent of Michigan's public school districts expect to have layoffs in the next academic year.

The survey of more than 300 districts released Monday by a school funding advocacy group says 21 percent of school districts expect to close at least one school building.

The report was released by a coalition of education groups called Save our Students, Schools and State. The group says the state needs to raise more money for public schools despite Michigan's overall state government budget problems.

The state cut school funding by a minimum of $165 per student this academic year. Districts are worried cuts will be even deeper in the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 because of Michigan state government's budget problems.