The move comes because of state funding cuts and anticipated enrollment declines in the state's second-largest district, which includes the northern half of Sterling Heights, all of Shelby Township and Utica, and parts of Washington, Macomb and Ray townships. The district has 40 schools, 29 of them elementary schools.
"To sustain such a financial loss this far into the school year, we must consider all options available to us," Superintendent Christine Johns said in a news release Tuesday.
It said the district will lose about $8.6 million in state funding this school year. State revenues make up nearly three-quarters of the annual budget, which this school year has more than $275 million in expenditures. More than $14 million is being pulled from the rainy day fund, spokeswoman Hildy Corbett said.
During the past seven years, the district has cut spending by more than $42 million and has eliminated more than 360 employee positions.
The district's unofficial enrollment this school year is 29,311 students, down from its peak of 29,641 in the 2006-07 school year. Enrollment is expected to bottom out at 28,727 in the 2013-14 school year.
The volunteer citizens team is to include parents and community representatives. If consolidation is recommended, the school board could seek more input through public meetings with parents at the affected schools. The school board has the final say on any change in school use.
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