Revenue Shortfalls- Due to declining sales tax revenues, a notice was sent to Michigan school districts on Oct. 22 stating that schools would face an additional cut in funds of $127 per student. http://house.michigan.gov/hfa/PDFs/School%20Aid%20proration%20memo%2010-09.pdf The Michigan Legislature has a 30 day time table to cut programs or find extra tax revenue in order to stop this proration from going into effect. It is clear that these cuts would begin to effect the quality of Michigan education greatly. Kent County is facing the elimination of 600 teaching jobs. Ottawa County may be forced to eliminate 225 teachers. Kent City is operating without guidance counselors and day custodians. http://www.mea.org/gov/102709_governor_wants_fixes.html. Districts across the state have been forced to end early child hood education programs. Short term revenue ideas being considered are: a freeze on personal income tax exemptions, a 10-15 percent reduction in special interest tax exemptions, authorizing the sales of additional liquor licenses, and applying a sales tax to more services. The purpose of further posts of this blog is to find out from Genesee County school administrators and educators how these budget issues are effecting schools and education.