Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; 248.651.7536; cell: 586.817.8414; barbara@eafocus.com; Sue Briggs, Avondale Schools; 248.537.6041; susan.briggs@avondale.k12.mi.us
Auburn Hills, MI —June 27, 2012—- Avondale School District, an achievement-oriented learning community focused on student leadership and success in academics, the arts and athletics, announced at the June 24 school board meeting that the District is poised to exit deficit financing at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
The district is projecting a fund balance deficit of slightly over $1,000,000 to end the current 2012-13 school year. At the lowest point in its financial history, the district was over $2,450,000 in deficit. Originating in 2006-07, the deficit was caused by reductions in State Aid, a $1,800,000 property tax settlement, and rising health care and retirement costs.
“This has been a journey that allowed us to protect programs and student achievement while we adjusted to the financial realities around us,” said Avondale Superintendent Dr. George Heitsch. “Through it all, the Avondale staff continued to rise to their level of professional training to successfully meet the needs of our students.”
Dr. Heitsch also praised the Avondale School Board for its vigilance in taking steps to bring the district out of its deficit.
“Under the leadership of school board president Sid Lockhart and former president and current board member, Cynthia Pettit, the Avondale School Board has ably guided the district to financial stability and continued student achievement. I commend the entire board for their commitment to advancing Avondale and the community as a whole,” said Heitsch.
About Avondale School District
Avondale School District is a collaborative community of teachers, staff and families working together to assure student success. The district, encompassing portions of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Rochester Hills, celebrates the richness of a diverse student population and strives to be a model school community that prepares students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to the world that awaits them upon graduation. Learn more about Avondale Schools, an AdvancED certified district, at www.avondale.k12.mi.us.
