FREMONT, Mich. (WZZM) - School leaders in Fremont spent the end of last school year and summer looking for ways to close a projected $2.7 million school budget shortfall. In the end, the pain was spread across the district.
School administrators sold their building and moved into an elementary school. That created $250,000 for the budget.
Funding for the boys and girls golf and swimming teams was cut. Parents and students are raising their own money to compete this year.
Every employee group made concessions.
And in town, bus routes were eliminated.
Fremont School Superintendent Jim Hieftje says the transportation reduction alone will result in saving of around $100,000. That money will be used to save the jobs of teachers. Hieftje says protecting the classroom was the district's priority.
The in-town busing cut is a major concern for parent Amanda Dumont. She believes the decision puts the safety of young children at risk. Dumont says many of the district's youngest students will now need to cross Main Street early in the morning to get to their school. Thursday, the mother of three was relieved when she was told the district will add a bus stop at her children's day care center.
The cuts come as excitement builds for the opening of the new Fremont High School. The $40 million school will be ready when school opens in September of 2012.
Jon Mills