Michigan’s Department of Education is recommending the governor conduct a formal review of Muskegon Heights Public Schools’ finances. That’s the next step in a process that could lead to the appointment of an emergency manager – which the school board has asked the state to do.
Dave Sipka is serving as the temporary superintendent at Muskegon Heights’ schools. “We’re asking the governor, we’re begging the governor to expedite this process," Sipka said. The review normally takes up to 60 days. But Sipka says the district owes millions to vendors and he’s worried the district won’t be able to make payroll in March.
Sipka says he understands the governor will act on the recommendation.
Friday teachers in the district rejected a new contract that would’ve cut their pay by more than a third.
Muskegon Heights Schools has run a deficit for at least six years in a row. An independent audit says the deficit was $8.5 million at the end of last school year.
