State: 57 School Districts Had Deficits For Year

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan education officials say 57 school districts and charter schools had budget deficits at the end of the latest fiscal year, up from 52 at the same time a year earlier.

The Department of Education reported the figures last week to the state House and Senate education budget subcommittees.

The report says one of the 52 districts that had deficits June 30, 2013, merged with another district, two eliminated their deficits after fiscal year's end and one charter school closed.

The state says 55 districts and charter schools still have deficits, while two charter schools on the list have closed.
Detroit schools remain on the list and continue operating under an emergency manager. The district says its deficit grew to $169 million.

Listed districts must submit deficit-elimination plans to the department.

The Menominee, Muskegon, Oak Park and Romulus districts are among the districts that got off the list of districts in deficit, while Cheboygan, Garden City and Warren schools have joined it.

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