Snyder Informs Highland Park Schools of Decision to Appoint Emergency Mgr

Gov. Rick Snyder today informed the Highland Park School District that he has determined a financial emergency exists in the district, following the report and recommendations of a 10-member, independent financial review team which assessed the district’s finances late last year and reported its findings to the governor last week.

“It is critical that students in the Highland Park School District get the education they need and deserve,” Snyder said. “For that to continue, the Highland Park School District must have stable finances. Through the comprehensive reviews that have been conducted, it is clear the district faces monumental financial challenges.”

Under Public Act 4 of 2011, the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act, the appropriate next step is the appointment of an emergency manager.

The district may request a hearing upon the governor’s deter­mination that a finan­cial emergency exists. Given that the Highland Park Board of Education has, by resolution indicated an intention to request a hearing, one has been scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday Jan. 17, 2012. The hearing, before Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mike Flanagan, will be held at the Hannah Building in Lansing.