School funding and related topics were highlighted Tuesday evening as Roger Rathburn, superintendent of the Three Rivers Community Schools, addressed the Three Rivers Lions Club.

The Three Rivers school district was in the spotlight Tuesday evening (November 24th) as Roger Rathburn, superintendent of the Three Rivers Community Schools, served as the featured speaker for the Three Rivers Lions Club meeting.

Rathburn explained the current challenging financial situation facing public schools in Michigan based on declining revenues, declining enrollments, and increasing costs. He pointed out that over the past 6 years student enrollment has gone from 3,069 in 2003-2004 to 2,783 in 2009-2010, a loss of 286 students.

State funding, which was $7,300 per student in 2008-2009 is $7,000 in 2009-2010, and will be $6,700 for the 2010-2011 school year.  Each $300 cut equates to a revenue loss for the schools of $834,900 ($300 x 2,783 students).  The challenging financial situation becomes more clear when increasing costs for employee health insurance, retirement, wage increases, and utilities are added to this picture.

Rathburn explained that through its personnel, administration, and Board of Education, the school system, during recent years, has taken a proactive stance by reducing costs in all areas of its operation.  This cost reduction has been done to not only operate with a balanced budget but also minimize its impact on students.

Rathburn explained that there are 550 school districts in Michigan and that Three Rivers is probably in the top 10%-20% with regard to financial stability.   In order to continue this proactive stance, a leadership team composed of teachers, paraprofessionals, food service, bus drivers, maintenance, secretaries, administration, and school board has been formed and is currently operational.

The program ended with a question and answer period.

Source:  News release from Three Rivers Lions Club