State monitors dozens of Mich. school districts

LANSING (AP) -- Dozens of Michigan school districts are under monthly monitoring by the Michigan Department of Education as they work to control their finances. The Detroit News recently reported that the 48 districts are battered by rising benefit costs and state aid cuts. Those districts include school systems in Detroit and Highland Park that have state-appointed emergency managers. The list also includes Muskegon Heights Public Schools. That district's finances are under review after the district requested the move. The remaining 45 districts have deficits ranging from less than 1 percent to 44 percent of revenues. They are working on deficit elimination plans themselves by closing schools, cutting wages and outsourcing jobs. Those plans are checked by the state for progress. Michigan had 10 districts with deficits during the 2003 fiscal year. Published: Thu, Feb 16, 2012