Despite growing budget shortfall, Willow Run board members express optimism
The Willow Run school district expects to end this school year with $300,000 less than projected, leading to an increase in the district's deficit.
But school board members and administrators expressed optimism during Thursday night’s board meeting that the district may be finally turning around financially.
Board President Sheri Washington: "I see this changing of attitudes."
They still project to end the year in the red, as they have for several years in a row. The latest budget amendment calls for the district to end the year $3.3 million in the red.
Under the state-mandated deficit elimination plan, Willow Run expects to come into the black on July 1, 2014.
District administrators built the projection on budget estimates that included the growth of 50 students per year. In recent years, the district has lost hundreds of students a year, but the spring count of students showed an increase of about 35 students over the fall.
The budget cuts for this school year, approved by the board in December, had called for a 5 percent pay cut for teachers. District administrators said Thursday night that number would not be reached this year, but they said they reached a tentative agreement with teachers this week that will offer savings in the coming years.
Administrators and board members declined to comment on those terms. The school board went into closed session following its regular meeting to discuss negotiations.
Acting Superintendent Laura Lisiscki praised the teachers for sitting down with the administration and working out a deal.
“The efforts that the teachers are making to make sure we becoming viable again” are appreciated, she said.
Long-time board Trustee Clifford Smith said, “You can see things starting to come together.”
Lisiscki was also praised for developing a good relationship with teachers. Left unsaid were board member’s feelings that her predecessor, Doris Hope-Jackson, hadn’t done that.
“I see this changing of attitudes,” board President Sheri Washington said. “People are smiling, laughing again.”
David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.
Comments
mama247
Sat, Apr 3, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.
Bravo to Laura Lisiscki for leading WRCS out of malaise. Better days are on the horizon for Willow Run. Harambee.... let's participate in the Walkathon on April 24, 2010, to help children in Kenya whose parents have died from AIDS. Just one of the many worthwhile community activities in Willow Run, where parents proudly send their children to school to learn.
YpsiReader
Sat, Apr 3, 2010 : 9:49 a.m.
I am a proud WR teacher and I have to say that the negativity and vitriol espoused on this page is astounding and undeserved. Take a drive over to EMUs convocation center this week-end and look at WRs robotic team, the award winning Team 66. Visit our schools and see the technology, surpassing most districts in the county, being used. Sit in a classroom and talk to a teacher. Take time to research some of the program we offer that you will not find in other districts. (SMILE, WINGS, robotics, ROTC) This year class sizes have increased, as in every public school district. Money is tight everywhere. Teachers have taken reductions in benefits and will likely take further reductions in both pay and benefits. Through all of the economic upheaval we are doing everything we can to provide stellar educational opportunities for children. Please do not disregard the value of a compassionate and positive working environment. Taxpayers should be happy because our smiles are free and we are willing to share!
eyeloveypsi
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 5:13 p.m.
Here we go again, Willow run projecting an INCREASE in students to show that the deficit isn't as bad as it really is. They've done this before; will they ever learn?
quitoslady
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 9:01 a.m.
I was one of the parents who drove my kids to Ypsilanti schools everyday when I lived in the Willow Run district. I think the state need to take them over.
Cash
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 7:14 a.m.
Wow, Ms Washington, this may come as a shock but I don't care if the workers at the school are smiling and laughing - the taxpayers ARE NOT smiling and laughing! Mention WR Schools on my street in Oakbrook and you won't see smiling. The parents drive their kids to other schools (Milan, Lincoln, South Arbor, etc.)carpooling and sacrificing their time and money so that their children can be in a safe and successful learning environment, while WR buses go flying by empty. And then the Ypsi school buses drive by. Get it? On my street WR district has one purpose-to drain taxpayers of their money through high property taxes, with ZERO positive results. I'm appalled that the board might actually believe things are better. Wake up. This district needs to be closed and the students absorbed into Ypsilanti Schools. There's good reason that Ypsi buses are picking up kids in the WR district. Ypsi has been forward thinking and avoided slimy politics. They have made the tough cuts and are facing reality. While the WR board has for the past 25 years fiddled while the district fails it's children. Trust me. Willow Run taxpayers are not smiling and laughing.
mlpn
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 6:29 a.m.
Come one now.....we all no it's the school board and teachers fault. The kids and their parents deserve no blame. No, the parents shouldn't go up to the schools but for NAAPID day or if they need to curse the teachers. The kids don't need to go to class and still deserve straight A's. Everyone else should be to blame, even when the school is looking to be optimistic.
cdinsupe
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 5:31 a.m.
People are smiling & laughing again because the charter schools just had their lotteries and some of us got in. I hated to do it, but class sizes of 30-38 are not a good environment for the teachers or students. My kids weren't learning anything because the behavior of the students is so bad, and those parents whose kids are causing the disturbances all day just don't care. Also, what about the elementary school they said they were going to have to close if they didn't hit their targeted number of students?...which I don't think they did. Gain 50 students a year? That's pretty delusional. State won't accept that in the revised deficit reduction plan. At least Ypsi acknowledged that their recent actions would cause a reduction in students.
stonecutter1
Thu, Apr 1, 2010 : 11:29 p.m.
Every person that I have met from Willow Run is borderline illiterate. Just sayin, maybe time for a change? Granted this is a small cross section, but...
d obryan
Thu, Apr 1, 2010 : 9:21 p.m.
we could have been 3 million in debt if we got rid of Doris Jackson years ago. teachers and student paid for that big mistake.stop hiring financial adviser /even Mr tombma. stop spending when your broke.students and teachers are making the sacrifice. when your on a budget you stay with in the budget, dont hire out side help to tell you your in the red. please its called economics /common sense.