One of my recurring messages is that local district finances are inextricably tied to the state financial picture. Recently this HAS meant some tough news to swallow, but in the broad scheme of things, Grosse Pointe Public Schools make out very well in terms of state aid.
This House Fiscal Agency report published in January 2010 provides a great baseline of information. Notice on slide 32 that details the percentage of Michigan students who receive Foundation Allowance at certain levels? GPPSS receives roughly $10,000 per pupil. That places our students among only 4% state-wide that receive such a sum or higher.
Should that not give us reason to think we are better positioned to establish and grow our program in a manner suited to our interests? I’ve always believed we could. Money is not the answer to every problem, but my message is it should also not serve as an excuse for progress.