Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Educational Services Center
850 Ladd Rd., Bldg D
Walled Lake, MI 48390
July 21, 2011
Dear Parent/Guardian of Walled Lake Schools’ Student Athlete,
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District, along with most school districts in Michigan, made significant cost reductions as a result of a reduction in per-pupil funding from the state over the last three years. Unfortunately, for the 2011-12 school year, we will face another year of decreased revenue from the state. At the same time, operational costs including utilities, insurance and retirement benefits continue to rise at a rate much faster than incoming revenue.
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District recognizes that all extracurricular activities are an integral part of our educational system. Rather than cut any of our athletic programs, it is the District’s goal to continue to maintain all sports programs. The Athletic program, along with many other departments and programs, have been subject to budget cuts. The following Athletic Program budget cuts, totaling approximately $200,000, were adopted by the Walled Lake Schools’ Board of Education on June 16, 2011.
2011-12 Athletic Program Budget Cuts
The implementation of one way busing to all out-of-district athletic events, a cost savings of approx. $60,000
Students will be transported to out-of-district athletic events. It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian of the athlete to ensure that students are transported safely home from all athletic events.
The elimination of one middle school swim team, a cost savings of approx. $10,000
The middle school swim program previously consisted of three teams that were made up of students who would be attending WL Northern, WL Central and WL Western. The middle school swim program will now consist of the consolidation of two teams as defined: Smart/Creek and Geisler/Banks.
The elimination of junior varsity coaches for high school golf, tennis and pom pons, a cost savings of approx. $100,000
The implementation of one district diving coach, a cost savings of approx. $18,000
The elimination of coaches reimbursement for State finals expenditures, a cost savings of approx. $10,000
The elimination of funding for record board updates, a cost savings of approx. $2,000
Record boards will be maintained by the athletic sport and/or booster club.
We appreciate your continued support. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the athletic department at (248) 956-2073 or me directly at (248) 956-2074.
Sincerely,
Brian M. Swinehart, C.A.A.
District Director of Athletics & Secondary Physical Education
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools