The number of school districts with budget deficits has dropped over the course of this school year.
That’s according to a report released Thursday by state education officials.
We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher.
Late last year, State Superintendent Mike Flanagan had dire predictions for the finances of Michigan schools. He predicted the number of districts in deficit could reach 100 “before long.” Now, Flanagan says the situation is stabilizing – and he credits increased funding from the state.
“The debates aside about how much of an increase there is – there’ve been improved funding the last couple years,” he says. “I think there could be more. But I think that’s helped.”
The Michigan Department of Education expects the number of deficit districts to have dropped from 52 to 45 at the end of the school year.
Democrats say it’s not fair to say Governor Rick Snyder and state lawmakers have increased state education funding. Republicans include money that went into the teacher pension system.