Latest news with #FerndalePublicSchools
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MI school district budgets precarious as feds sit on $160M, state misses deadline
Two education budget curveballs could make a mess of public school budgets this year. With the state budget still not passed before school budget deadlines and nearly $160 million in federal funding unexpectedly withheld from schools by the Trump administration, this summer has turned unexpectedly chaotic for the state's school leaders, with sudden uncertainty cast over programs that serve some of Michigan's most vulnerable students. "It is our moral obligation, literally our moral obligation to ensure that we know what the budget will be as soon as possible," said Camille Hibbler, superintendent of Ferndale Public Schools. School districts' boards under state law must pass their budgets before July 1, when the fiscal year starts. But two variables created by local and state government have bedeviled the process, likely meaning boards will be changing passed budgets later in the year: State lawmakers failed to meet their own deadline for passing a school aid budget, meaning districts don't know exactly how much funding they'll end up with. The U.S. Department of Education is withholding billions of dollars from states for school programs meant for vulnerable student populations, including English learners and after-school programs. Michigan's share of money withheld is $160 million, according to the Michigan Department of Education. It's now unclear when states will get that money. Just one of these surprises could strain a budget process. But both? Superintendents say having both funding sources uncertain could spell trouble. "It's a guessing game and it's a really awkward position to put the board in, quite honestly," said Andrew Brodie, superintendent of Flat Rock Community Schools in Flat Rock, a Downriver community. Brodie said school boards and finance offices can try to make educated guesses in setting their budgets, using numbers from the previous school year to approximate how much funding they might have for the upcoming year. Flat Rock is in a fortunate position because it has a fund balance to help make up for any unexpected budget fluctuations, he said. State lawmakers typically pass at least a school aid budget around July 1 to help give districts a measure of certainty as they plan for the next school year, though they have until October to pass a budget. There's been no indication lawmakers are yet close to an agreement, with House Republicans proposing a school aid budget different than what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed, with money for private schools, and eliminating universal school meals, a program touted by Whitmer as an accomplishment of her administration. On the federal side of the budget debacle, the leader of the Michigan Department of Education, schools Superintendent Michael Rice, decried the nearly $160 million withheld from schools in a news release Wednesday, July 2. According to the department, $64 million of the funding withheld was for educator professional development and $37 million was allocated for before- and after-school programs, with $38 million in funds classified for academic enrichment. The remaining funds are for migrant education and English Learner programs. "Based on past practice, local school districts were rightly counting on this approved funding by July 1 for programs to support migrant education, services for English learners, staff professional development, before- and after-school programs, and academic enrichment," he wrote. Rice added that the department is discussing the issue with "legal counsel" and colleagues around the country. More: Michigan school district agrees to end seclusion after DOJ probe, Free Press investigation In Ferndale, Hibbler said the federal government's unexpected choice puts the district in hot water, with grant funding attached to certain positions. It's possible that the district may have to cut certain after-school tutoring programs if the federal money doesn't come through. "It is very uncomfortable to be able to have a conversation about, 'You might have a job,' " she said. " 'Might' is not OK. Not to mention these are the positions that work with our highest need populations, (such as) special education services. I can't believe we're talking about this." Both Brodie and Hibbler said the disruptions have collided with what's usually a season for planning for school districts, a time to set a vision for the next school year. Instead, they are contemplating worst-case scenarios. "It's unacceptable," Hibbler said. Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan school district budgets precarious as feds withhold money
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election results: Bond proposals pass in Ferndale, Redford; not in Mount Clemens, Lamphere
Charter amendments in Clawson, city offices in Wyandotte and school funding proposals around metro Detroit were put before voters Tuesday, May 6. Oakland County According to Oakland County election results, Clawson voters rejected a proposed charter amendment that would have kept the city council at four members plus the mayor. With all precincts reporting, nearly 64% voted "no" on the measure, allowing a previously adopted expansion to six council members to take effect with the fall election. Charter Amendment No. 2 was also rejected in Clawson, with more than 63% of voters voting "no." That means a rule approved in 2023 and scheduled to begin this fall will stay in place, giving four-year terms to the top three vote-getters and a two-year term to the candidate who finishes fourth. More: Metro Detroit election results for May 6, 2025 Voters in Ferndale approved a millage restoration proposal with about 58% voting "yes," and passed a school improvement bond proposition for Ferndale Public Schools, with 70% support. A similar school bond for The Lamphere Schools in Madison Heights was rejected, with nearly 58% voting "no." All precincts have reported for the three proposals. Macomb County With all precincts reporting, voters rejected a $91.8 million bond proposal for Mount Clemens school facilities, with nearly 67% voting "no," according to Macomb County election results. The measure would have funded renovations, infrastructure upgrades, modern learning spaces and safety improvements, while maintaining a 1-mill tax rate decrease. Wayne County With 100% of precincts reporting in Wyandotte, Robert DeSana was reelected to a four-year term as mayor. DeSana received 79% of the vote to Curtis Kile's 21%. For city council, Kelly Stec, Patrick Sutka, Chris Calvin, Todd Hanna, Robert Alderman and Adriana Villanueva-Cerulla were elected to four-year terms. The remaining three offices on the ballot were won by unopposed candidates: Theodore Galeski for assessor, Lawrence Stec for clerk and Todd Browning for treasurer. A building and site bond proposal was approved in the Redford Union School District, with 54% of voters adopting $44 million in bonds. As of 10:45 p.m., only one of 12 districts had reported votes for in the Southgate Community School District, where three funding proposals were bring considered. Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit election results: School funding proposals on the ballot
CBS News
02-05-2025
- CBS News
Ferndale police help students understand dangers of distracted driving
May is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Police in Ferndale, Michigan, organized simulations, such as crash extractions, traffic stops, and drunk driving simulators, to educate Ferndale High School students about the risks of distracted driving. It's a little break from school day, but for these juniors and seniors at Ferndale High School, however, this break will hopefully change their driving behaviors for the rest of their lives. As the students walk to various stations, they're met with real-world experiences, from a crash simulator to using what is known as the jaws of life to rescue someone, to the dangers of driving drunk, and to how to act at a traffic stop. We asked a couple of students for their thoughts. "I was wearing the influence goggles that simulate being under the influence, and I was so out of it," said Ferndale High School junior Luke Shoot. "It was scary." "Just having that in mind that anything can happen is definitely eye-opening," said Ferndale High School junior Luke Manning. Hiram Harris, director of youth programs for Ferndale Public Schools, has seen a shift in teenagers' driving habits. Harris said the importance of this event can't be overstated, especially since the high school prom is around the corner and school is almost out for the summer. "I think they are a little more apt to lean on mom or dad or a friend for transportation, but that is the number one thing that I see," Harris said. "They are a little bit more, I hate to use the word, they have a little bit more anxiety about getting behind the wheel and taking that responsibility of being a driver." According to the latest 2022 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly six drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are killed in car crashes every day.
CBS News
28-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Absentee ballots available for May 6 local elections in Michigan
Michigan voters who live in municipalities where a May 6 election is scheduled can now request an absentee ballot for that election. The Michigan Secretary of State office made that announcement Friday. Any Michigan voter can request an absentee ballot and return the ballot by mail, in person to the local clerk's office or into their city or township's designated ballot drop box. The form includes an option to be placed on the "permanent" absentee voter list. Regardless of how an absentee ballot is returned, it must arrive at the local election clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early in-person voting, which is a newer alternative in Michigan to in-person polling sites on election day, will depend on the participation of local election offices for May 6. Michigan law only requires that service during elections when there are statewide or federal races on the ballot. In addition, not all jurisdictions will have elections on May 6. Local elections that are scheduled include bond proposals for Mason Consolidated Schools in Monroe County; Ferndale Public Schools in Oakland County and Redford Union School District in Wayne County. The City of Detroit mayor's primary is scheduled for the Aug. 5 election. Voter information such as registration, ballot proposals, polling places and absentee ballot signups are at . Voters also can stop by their city or township clerk's office during regular business hours or posted special election hours to ask questions in person.
