The Michigan House Thursday approved a $4 million emergency allocation to Highland Park Public School students after school officials grossly mismanaged taxpayer dollars and will not be able to pay employees in less than 24 hours.
The Legislature approved a pro-rated foundation allowance of $4,000 per student, which the students can use for any nearby school.
The Highland Park School will run out of money today.
“I am disappointed that the local school board did not make the tough decisions that needed to be made and ran out of money,” said state Rep. Matt Lori, R-Constantine. “It is unfortunate that the state has to intervene and send these students to other districts in the middle of the school year. We not only have a constitutional obligation to give these children a public education, we have a moral responsibility as well.”
Since 2006, Highland Park’s total enrollment has dropped from nearly 3,000 students to just over 900.
According to the state treasurer, the Highland Park School District is among the highest-funded in the state at approximately $14,000 per student.
Despite this, the district is unable to meet payroll or make bond payments. The state also has already provided a $4 million hardship grant to the district.
“Not one cent of money from the hard-working taxpayers of Michigan will go to the Highland Park administration,” Lori said.
“The money will follow the students to whatever school district their parents decide they should attend.”