MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WZZM) -- A member of the review team appointed by the governor to look into the finances of Muskegon Heights Public Schools says the group's work will start as quickly as possible.
Gov. Rick Snyder appointed the team Tuesday in response to a preliminary report on the district's years of deficits and other financial and other administrative problems.
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Dr. Dale Nesbary, president of Muskegon Community College, and seven other people were named to the team. They will determine how bad the finances are in Muskegon Heights schools and whether the governor should appoint an emergency manager to take over the district.
"We have 60 days from when the team is set," says Nesbary. "We have to start moving."
The district's financial stress is not an interpretation -- it's a fact. For the current school year, Muskegon Heights is running at least an $8.5 million shortfall. Nesbary says that's taking attention away from educating children.
"If you are focusing all of your attention on debt you cannot serve your students effectively," he says.
The district's board of education is already acting on its own. Members approved privatizing custodial, clerical and transportation jobs. The board is also closing the administration building to save money.
"It is important that our school systems be financially viable," says Nesbary. "If they are not, that means our students are not going to be served as effectively as they could be."
If the governor appoints an emergency manager for the district, the person in that position would have broad powers to void existing contracts and change the district's budget.
Two other Michigan school districts -- Detroit and Highland Park -- are currently under the authority of an emergency manager.