By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

SOUTHFIELD — Treading lightly on a touchy subject, the Southfield Board of Education held a town hall meeting Dec. 3 at Southfield High School to discuss the school budget crisis with residents.

Those who attended were well aware of the issues at hand, and sought some sort of a plan that would maintain quality education in the district during this challenging time.

“I just want to hear what the Board of Education has to say about how they’re going to handle the crisis as far as not having enough funds and how that’s going to fit in with the high taxes we already pay,” said Southfield resident Ellen Skuta on her way into the meeting.

“My biggest concern is definitely the quality of education and (I want to) make sure we continue what we have right now,” said Southfield resident Sheila Tyus. “The sad part is that we’re not the only district. It’s happening to every single district, and as parents, teachers, students, we are fighting against the state legislators — we’re not fighting against the districts. … I hope this school district will come up with the best possible plan that we can have to make sure our kids our safe, whatever changes that have to be made, to make sure we still have the No. 1 quality of teachers (and) quality education, that’s what my main concern is.”

Last spring, the district instituted numerous layoffs and cut $10 million from its budget, but things could still get worse as state revenue  appears to be dropping significantly.

Parents fear what may happen in the future.

“There’s rumors about schools that are closing,” said Joyce Poole of Lathrup Village, adding that she’s concerned with how the financial outlook will affect her children. “(I hope) that there are no school cuts, no more layoffs for the teachers and that the government will provide the funding that is required for the schools in the state of Michigan.”

Mark Ratjer, associate superintendent for administrative services, detailed the district’s financial status during the meeting. He showed slides and graphs depicting a steady drop in enrollment over the last several years, which generates a loss in state aid. He explained the district’s budget, detailing where money is spent. He projected where the district will be in upcoming years if things continue the way they’ve been — with a more than $20 million deficit next year and a more than $40 million one the following year.

“This is real. This is serious,” said School Board President James Jackson. “We truly have to put pressure on our legislators in Lansing, so they can make the right decision that will not force school districts across the state to have to make some very, very difficult decisions that they’ll all be forced to make if the current reductions in funding actually happen.”

Jackson urged residents to call and send e-mails to legislators.

“We have the ability, the opportunity and the responsibility to direct our elected officials to make a decisions that are in the best interests of our communities,” Jackson said. “Let them know the impact this will have not only on our community, but our children. … That means that we’re talking about elimination of programs, reduction of programs. We’re talking about possible building closures. We’re talking about layoffs. We’re seriously talking about dramatic impacts that all school districts in Michigan are sitting around the table having to think about. … Our goal is to preserve and improve the quality of education.”

While the town hall meeting was meant to be informative, Mark Tario of Southfield expressed his displeasure about the current state of the district.

“The well is dry. Everybody knows it. Are we here just to be softened up for another millage increase?” Tario said during the public comments portion of the meeting. “Why don’t you declare bankruptcy, dump these union contracts, institute reforms and quit having to cry to the public every year? You must be embarrassed.”

Tario’s remarks drew applause from the audience.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in here who would choose bankruptcy,” Jackson said. “We’re trying to avoid receivership. … We want to try to find a solution before we are at that point. My hope is that we won’t have to get there. There could be ramifications we may not be able to come back from.”

For more information about Southfield Public Schools, visit www.southfield.k12.mi.us.