The Detroit public schools, facing a $198 million shortfall in a $1.5 billion annual budget, sent out more than 300 layoff notices to teachers on Dec. 23. The move came as the 140,000-student district works to come up with a deficit-reduction plan to submit to the Michigan Department of Education.
The department originally requested a plan by Dec. 31. But state officials said the district could have an extension because Gov. Jennifer Granholm is still choosing community members who will sit on a panel to help Detroit with its financial priorities. (“Detroit Schools Facing Massive Cuts, Layoffs,” Dec. 1, 2004.)
