Update from the Superintendent
June 5, 2020
Budget Cuts Looming from COVID-19 Impact
Good afternoon, Otsego families,
In our morning call with the health department and local superintendents, the health department reported 221 positive cases of COVID-19. Allegan County Health Department is offering free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Community Testing for individuals over the age 18 regardless of symptoms. This drive thru testing will be located at the Human Services Building parking lot at 3255 122nd Ave. on Saturday, June 6 from 11am - 3pm.
Over the last few weeks I have been sharing with you the Continuity of Learning Plan along with communication concerning completing any missing work. I would like to switch gears with this update as we need your assistance.
Each year state officials and economists gather to discuss revenue projections for the state in January and May. During the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference state officials projected a revenue loss of 6.28 billion dollars over what was projected earlier this year. The School Aid Fund, which is the primary source of funding for schools, is out of balance for the next three years without any assistance from the federal government. The direct result of loss revenue at the state level will have an impact on our overall budget.
This is where we could use your assistance as Otsego Public Schools is looking at a budget deficit of approximately $1.5 million based on an anticipated decrease in student funding of $650 per student. Last week, I shared with OPS employees sample letters to send our congressional representatives in Washington, D.C. asking for assistance. Our district would be very grateful if you could assist in contacting our federal legislators. I have provided these sample letters and email addresses for your convenience. With your assistance, we can get through this funding crisis.
On behalf of the Board of Education I want to say, “Thank You” for supporting Otsego Public Schools.
Contact our legislators
Rep. Fred Upton
2183 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3761
350 E. Michigan Ave, Suite 130
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 385-0039
Sen. Debbie Stabenow
https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-2204
Phone: (202) 224-4822
3280 E. Beltline Court NE, Suite 400
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: (616) 975-0052
Sen. Gary Peters
https://www.peters.senate.gov/
Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 724
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6221
Gerald R. Ford Federal Building
110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 720
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 233-9150
Otsego Public Schools
Email: ops@otsegops.org
Website: otsegops.org
Location: 400 Sherwood St, Otsego, MI, USA
Phone: 269-694-7900
Facebook: facebook.com/otsegops
Twitter: @OtsegoSchools