District lays off five staff members to save $500K
Board members hope enrollment hike continues
Despite a recent increase in student enrollment, Mount Clemens schools officials this week were again forced let go a portion of their workforce.
The Mount Clemens Community Schools Board of Education on Wednesday night voted to issue layoff notices to five employees — including two teachers — in an effort to save the district approximately $500,000.
School officials say the move is meant to shave a budget deficit and “right size” the workforce in order to begin addressing some of the district’s infrastructure needs.
“This is not a happy day
to do this, but it is necessary and that is what I’ve been charged to do,” firstyear Superintendent Julian Roper said.
According to Assistant Superintendent David Lavender, layoff notices have been issued to:
• A STEM (science, technology,
engineering and mathematics) educator at Seminole Academy
• A Spanish/social studies teacher at Mount Clemens Middle School
• A behavioral interventionist at Seminole Academy
• A middle school mental health counselor
• And a media center specialist at Seminole Academy.
School officials say they anticipate a $1.6 million deficit for 2024, down $800,000 from $2.4 million the year before. Officials said they have experienced increased enrollment in the shrinking district, which along with “prudent planning” and spending decisions have helped reduce the red ink.
Lavender said administrators hope to continue the trend and eventually wipe out the deficit.
“The right sizing of our staff is in the best interest of the district in order to improve the district’s financial stability,” he told school board members.
When Roper was hired last spring from Center Line Public Schools, the board made stabilizing the district’s finances and boosting enrollment and retaining current students among