Really keeping you informed.

Even with the financial conditions that continue to impact Michigan's economy, there are some real positive changes that will help our area schools.

Did you know that many districts built their budgets (including Holland) for this year fearing a mid-year pro-rata reduction in their foundation allowance? This will not occur, and the $96/pupil increase given to most area schools (including Holland) this year will be maintained.

Did you know that the Senate Fiscal Agency's preliminary revenue estimates report an increase of $186/pupil for 2008-09?

Did you know under Granholm's budget proposal, all schools would receive at least an extra $108/pupil?

Too often public schools get "lumped" into everyone else's financial realities by the media and others that want to paint a broad stroke relative to employer costs and ability to pay. To get the real scoop on how these revenue increases impact Holland, you need to rely on the analysis of the district audits and costs performed by your bargainers.

Our next post will focus on employer costs and how they impact Holland.

**All members need to attend a general membership meeting on March 18. Contact your building AR for more details.**