Michigan’s economy, loss of state aid revenue, increased expenses and declining enrollment have taken their toll on the district’s school budget. This year, enrollment has declined by more than 160 students from 2011-12 and is expected to decline by at least another 60 students next year. This translates to a loss of over $1.8 million in revenue to Lake Orion Community Schools.
The district and School Board have spent long hours evaluating ways to address the situation. In addition to a number of current and future reductions in expenses, accepting a limited number of students from outside district boundaries on a very restricted basis will increase the district’s revenue.
The Lake Orion Schools of Choice program will be open to approximately 175 students in kindergarten through second grade at elementary schools where there is identified space available. We also will be expanding our Learning Options program to accept some students from other districts. I regret that while we had hoped to be able to make this option available to former resident students at any grade level who have attended our schools but whose families have had to move out of the school district, we have been informed by the State that this is not allowable under Schools of Choice.
Like other districts in our region, students participating in this program must provide their own transportation to/from school and those who have been expelled or suspended from their previous districts are not eligible. The Schools of Choice program is in place for one year only, with future authorizations by the Board of Education to be made on an annual basis. Children who are admitted into the program this first year can remain in the district for the remainder of their school years if desired.
