Superintendent says they've implemented every innovative idea possible
SUTTONS BAY -- The Suttons Bay School District is known for coming up with innovative ideas to save money, but they've hit a wall and need to come up with hundreds of thousands of dollars or the state may step in.
Superintendent Mike Murray says the district planned to get state funding for 760 students, but fell short by 114 students due to a charter school's decision to drop out of Suttons Bay's virtual school.
With this funding shortfall, Murray says he has no choice and will be asking the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians for $400,000. Suttons Bay Schools has been a recipient of funding from the band before, but has never asked for this much.
Mike Murray says, "We're totally at the mercy of the generosity of the Grand Traverse Band. It is an usually situation to be in and it’s not their fault."
If they don't get the funding, the state may send an emergency financial manager to take over.
Mike Murray says, "I would like to see what an emergency financial manager would be able to do that we haven't already done."
Suttons Bay has already laid off 37 teachers, four secretaries, and the middle school principal. Teachers haven't had a pay increase for three years.
It has also eliminated its transportation system, middle school building, and snow removal service. Its elementary school has eliminated single grades, and the food service has been transferred to Traverse City Area Public Schools.
Murray will talk with the tribe on Wednesday.
