TRAVERSE CITY -- The Michigan House passes its plans for education cuts.Last night the House passed a bill that would cut funding for schools, colleges and universities. It was approved by a passed 57 to 53 margin in the republican lead house.
Between 256 and 297 dollars in per pupil funding would be cut on top of 170 dollars in per pupil cuts already in place. Colleges and universities would see an average of 15 percent cut in funding. Senators already passed their version of the bill so the house will have to work with them to come up with a compromised version.
As cuts loom, concerned students, parents, and teachers in northern Michigan are demanding answers from law makers. 7&4's Kate Fox was at Manton Consolidated schools this morning, where State Representative Phil Potvin got an ear full on his visit.
One parent says, "They should not have to pay the debt that the adults in the state of Michigan incurred!"
Parents of Manton students say lawmakers are balancing the budget on the backs of their kids and robbing them of a proper education.
The school district is facing $900,000 dollars in budget cuts
Manton Student Kaitlyn Mitchell says, ''I hope this is a huge wake up for you-- I may be just some 8th grader but as scary as I may be I’m your future this is insanely important to me and it should just as important to you''
Kaitlyn Mitchell spent hours writing this speech to State Representative Phil Potvin.
She along with other students are well aware the cuts could mean no more electives like art, music, gym and computer classes.
Manton High School Senior Simon Zagata says, "I knew I wouldn't be ready for college if our schools didn't have everything they had when I was in high school, middle school and even elementary so why should kids below me suffer."
Kaitlyn Mitchell says, "Were not going to have these fun memories that I get to make everyday with all these people and I’m also scared that maybe I might grow up and not have as good of a future as everyone else because they have this temporary solution of what to take money from."
Four teachers have already received pink slips, including the band teacher -who students are heartbroken at the thought of losing.
Zagata says, "Once he came in it was totally different, he's no comparison between before Mr. Krum and after Mr. Krum."
Manton Band Director Jeff Krum says, "I'm worried about what we've built over the last five years and is that going to continue, if I’m not here how can they continue?? It’s tearing me up!"
State Rep. Potvin says he came to listen to the communities concerns and take them back to Lansing.
