By SHERRI KOLADE
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — Dearborn Heights School District No. 7’s deficit elimination plan awaits approval or rejection by the state, Supt. Jeff Bartold told the School Board March 5.
The elimination plan was filed with the state last week, according to the district’s website.
The general fund deficit is about $700,000; the district’s budget is about $24 million.
The performance incentive program, based on Michigan Educational Assessment Program test results, was not included in the plan because preliminary figures showed the district was unable to meet the requirements on the MEAP to receive the incentive, according to the site.
Also during the meeting the board discussed whether the city will end its with the Eton Center, a city-leased senior center used by the district.
By next month, the administration will begin the process of establishing an advisory committee regarding the move.
The Board also discussed the continuation of the vocational education partnership with Westwood and Crestwood school districts for the 2012 and 2013 school year.
They also approved participation in the Schools of Choice Program, as permitted by Section 105 of the State School Aid Act. Under the act district schools will accept unlimited kindergarten through ninth grade students and some in grades 10, 11 and 12 for enrollment by non-resident students who reside within the intermediate school district for the 2012-2013 school year. Students must reside in Wayne County but they do not have to live in the school district.
Because of economic reasons, the district’s full-day kindergarten program was eliminated for the 2012-13 school year; and the board instituted half-day kindergarten classes, which will result in four less teaching positions.
The next regular D-7 Board meeting will take place 7 p.m., March 19 at Pardee Elementary School, 4650 Pardee.