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Politics & Government

In Brief: School Board Approves 3 Layoffs; 2011-2012 Budget Discussed

Brighton officials also accepted PTO donations for new technology equipment at their Monday meeting.

The Brighton Area Schools Board of Education approved the layoff of three paraprofessionals at Monday’s meeting.

According to board documents, student enrollment and needs are the basis for the layoff of the special education workers, effective June 30 for the 2011-2012 school year.

2011-2012 proposed budget discussed

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Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger gave a presentation on the proposed budget, which will be up for action at the next meeting on June 27.

According to board documents, the estimated revenue for 2011-12 is $48,454,247 and the estimated expenditures are $45,073,895. This would reduce the budget deficit by $3,380,352. The current deficit is $7,989,806, and the fund deficit at the end of the year would be reduced to $4,609,454.

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There was some discussion over spending some of the proposed revenue on technology, but the consensus is to pay down the deficit.

There are concerns over the food service and the community education budgets, as revenue in both is on the decline. According to board documents, food service will generate $10,729 in revenue, which would be transferred to the general fund. The community education budget is going to come out even, with a remaining fund balance of $24,698.

Board approves acceptance of PTO donations

Donations for new technology for Brighton High School and Spencer Elementary were accepted. 

The Spencer PTO donated 24 iPads, iPad covers, a $250 iTunes gift card and $250 toward supplying wireless access for each grade level, for a total cost of $13,260. The iPads will be used in daily curriculum and as hands-on learning stations for students.

A donation of $10,000 from the Brighton High School PTO for a portable computer lab was accepted. According to board documents, the PTO donation, along with money left in the building budget for the 2010-11 school year, will allow the high school to equip two computer labs.

Board approves continuation and expansion of breakfast program

Each year the district is required to hold a public hearing regarding the decision to provide a breakfast program. If the free/reduced population is more than 20 percent of the total reimbursable lunches served, the district is required to provide a breakfast program.

The Brighton district currently has a free/reduced eligible population of 14.74 percent, according to board documents. 

It was the recommendation of the board to continue the program at the high school, middle school and intermediate school. It was also suggested the district begin a program at Hawkins and Spencer elementary schools.

In other action

  • The board approved renewal of the district's annual membership in the MHSAA.
  • The board accepted the retirement of Margaret Goodhue, who has 11 years of service to the district.
  • The board approved a change of property and casualty insurance provider from Middle Cities to Set SEG. According to board documents, the move is expected to save the district about $14,000.
  • For future action, the board discussed contract extensions for the assistant superintendents of curriculum and finance through 2013.
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