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BHS solves $5 million 2008-2009 budget gap without program reductions |
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 The Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education closed a $5 million gap between revenues and expenses in the next general fund budget without eliminating programs and with little instructional impact on students.
The $85.2 million 2008-2009 operating budget adopted by the board at its June 19 meeting reflects $470,000 in new revenue-generating moves like a three-percent tuition increase for non-resident students, pay to participate fees for athletics and clubs and small fee increases for in-district field trips.
Cost-cutting measures totaling $3.8 million include central office budget reductions; personnel reductions to align staffing with lower enrollments; student bus route alignment with board policy; and operational efficiencies.
The board and administration worked for months to preserve the district’s core values of small class sizes and instructional choices while addressing the financial shortfall driven by declining enrollment and increasing costs for fuel, health care and employee retirement. A list of top 10 tactics for cost reductions generated by board members and administrators guided the decision-making process.
“We’re proud to continue our tradition of excellence despite dismal economic conditions,” said Dr. Steven Gaynor, BHS superintendent.
Michigan law requires school districts to adopt a balanced budget by June 30 for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
The budget solutions occur simultaneously with the district’s acceptance of a ten-year strategic plan, which calls for Bloomfield Hills Schools to become a “national lighthouse district” by 2018, acknowledged for the finest comprehensive curriculum and instruction.
Bloomfield Hills Schools offers a plethora of academic choices, including seven foreign languages, band and orchestra beginning in fourth grade and 26 high school Advanced Placement courses. BHS recently announced that three of its elementary schools will offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, all three middle schools will offer the IB Middle Years Programme, and Lahser High School will offer the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programme.
The enhancements are accompanied by new university collaborations to improve student learning, including a sustainability education effort at Eastover Elementary in cooperation with Lawrence Tech University; a Visible Thinking (based on Harvard research) initiative at Way Elementary, and a collaboration with Oakland University at Pine Lake Elementary.
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