Hazel
Park Schools Not in Financial Distress
Although state officials will continue to
closely monitor the financial situation in Hazel Park Public Schools, the
current situation does not rise to a level necessitating consideration of an
emergency financial manager according to the Local Emergency Financial
Assistance Loan Board. While the District’s budget deficit has become a larger
percentage of overall budget in recent years, State Superintendent of Public
Instruction Mike Flanagan determined the District’s deficit elimination plan
will effectively eliminate the budget deficit by the 2014-2015 school year.
Financial
Emergency Confirmed in Pontiac Schools
Governor Rick Snyder confirmed this week that
a financial emergency exists in Pontiac Public Schools. This action gives local
officials seven days to determine the next step: chose to have an emergency
manager, agree to a consent agreement to resolve finances, seek a neutral
evaluation process, or file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection. The review
team found a nearly $38 million budget deficit for the 2011-2012 school year, a
number that quadrupled in just three years.
Civil
Rights Department Director Search Re-opened
Applications for Director of the Michigan
Department of Civil Rights are again being accepted, until 5PM on Friday,
August 23rd. Some potential candidates were recently interviewed;
however, the Civil Rights Commission did not make a hire.
Governor
Appoints Three to Accountancy Board
Governor Rick Snyder announced three
appointments to the State Board of Accountancy. Richard David of Bloomfield
Hills was appointed to succeed Daniel Lord in a position representing the CPA
profession. Ola Smith of Kalamazoo was appointed to a position representing
academia, succeeding Thomas Weirich. Jennifer Kluge of Grosse Pointe Shores was
appointed to succeed Steven Wolock in a position representing the public. All
appointees are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate and expire June
30, 2017.