LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – A looming state budget crisis has forced some of Michigan’s local school districts to seek out and accept loans as contingency plans to keep school doors open.
Matt Shastal is the superintendent of Laingsburg Community Schools. There, the Board of Education in June approved a loan of $1.7 million. He says it’s planning for “the uncertainty of receiving any money this October.”
“You got to make sure that you can keep the lights on and and the doors open,” he says.
He and Perry Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Lori Haven say part of the financial strain facing public schools this year stems from off-kilter fiscal years. Michigan law requires Michigan public schools to adopt a balanced budget by June 30 each year. But the state doesn’t have to adopt a balanced budget until September 30…