LaFontaine Laments House School Cuts

A narrow vote by the Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday in favor of Gov. Rick Synder’s proposed state school budget cuts prompted strong reactions in Chesterfield Township and New Baltimore.

State Rep. , who represents the communities and other towns, voted against the proposed cuts. LaFontaine, a Republican, said she based her decision on conversations with constituents.

"I've listened to my friends and neighbors in the district and agree with them that some fat needs to be trimmed from all budgets, but not in a way that impedes student growth and success and not without being matched alongside reforms,” she said in a prepared statement.

"To include one without the other is an empty promise to our students that sacrifices the lifelong learning mindset.

"We must reclaim the future for Michigan's students. Giving our next generation a real reason to stay in Michigan means we must maximize every penny in the classroom while providing our schools the reform they need."

The Republican-led House approved the bill criticized by many Democrats in a 57-53 vote.  

The bill, which moves on to the Senate, slashes spending to K-12 schools by 3.5 percent. That translates into cuts ranging from $256 to $297 per pupil compared with current school-year funding.

Those reductions would come in addition to a $170-per-student loss that's already in place and will be carried into the next fiscal year. Funding for community colleges and universities will also be chopped.

In L’Anse Creuse Public Schools, the House vote was another disheartening sign for the district, which has approximately 11,500 students.

“What can we say? It’s going to really horrifically impact our school district if it goes through as it is,” said Michelle Irwin, senior director of community relations.

The total estimated annual loss for the district that winds through Chesterfield, Macomb and Harrison townships is $10 million of its approximate $110-million budget. That’s also due to other cost increases, such as $245-per-student mandatory retirement fees, Irwin said.

District officials haven’t decided what measures would be taken to offset the cuts if they are implemented, she said.

Anchor Bay School District officials could not immediately be reached for comment.