LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder has signed an emergency bill that allocates $4 million dollars to the help students of Highland Park, according to The Detroit News. The funding will not go to the school district, but rather gives each student about $4,000 to go the school of his or her choice.
Concerns about the continued operation of the Highland Park schools arose because the district does not have enough cash to make the next pay period. According to The News, this measure was intended to ensure that students would be able to continue their studies should the district have to shut down.
The funding is not without its opponents, according to The News. "There's still a question about how this will positively impact the district," said school board Secretary Robert Davis.
The News reports the bill provides the funding to any school district or charter public school that accepts a student from Highland Park. Highland Park will not receive any of the funds unless someone is brought in from the outside to run the financially troubled district. Gov. Snyder had asked Jack Martin to step down as emergency financial manager after an Ingham County judge ruled his appointment process violated the Open Meetings Act.
SOURCE:
The Detroit News, “Snyder signs bill to aid Highland Park students,” Feb. 24, 2012
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Capitol Confidential, “School District: Spending Up, Revenue Up, Red Ink Up — Wants More Money,” Jan. 23, 2012
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