Michigan Schools Plan Layoffs

Public schools in Charlevoix, Michigan are bracing for eminent layoffs.

Less funding from the state, combined with enrollment numbers that have been in decline, the school faces $1.5 million budget gap. Cuts were detailed at a Wednesday meeting by Superintendent Chet Janik.

Planned so far are six layoffs, six leave of absences, and retirement of four full-time employees.

“It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how much of a shortfall we’re going to see, but the biggest issue is state funding cuts,” said Janik.

Janik also cited rising health care costs, higher employee salaries and more costly retirement packages as factors increasing costs.

The proposed cuts will be the topic at a Monday, May 10 board meeting.