MichiganRadio

Grand Rapids Public Schools To Hold Meeting About $15 Million Budget Shortfall GRAND RAPIDS, MI (Michigan Radio) - Grand Rapids Public Schools will hold a community meeting tonight to talk about how to fill a $15 million budget shortfall.

School district leaders say they're drastically low on cash because the state has cut its aid payments.

The district is looking at at least 13 job cuts in administration and clerical positions. Teacher job cuts are also likely.

Superintendent Bernard Taylor says he also plans to spend down $12 million of the district's rainy day fund to make it through the year.

"It's been said that that is not a good way to do business," Taylor says. "You shouldn't be using your rainy day fund to fund ongoing programs, and things that we have to do. But that's what we're faced with. I'm deeply concerned."

The district also has an ongoing dispute with its teacher's union. The union says the district has more money than it claims. Teachers in Grand Rapids have worked without a labor contract for nearly two full school years.
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