The Detroit News is highlighting ideas from various groups to promote discussion on reform, restructuring government and the economy.
Idea 11: Intensify school district consolidation and service sharing.
Why: Michigan has more than 550 school districts, but the amount of school revenue has been declining because of the recession economy. Combining school operations from busing to administrative functions such as payroll and purchasing would save money through economies of scale, especially in less densely populated rural areas.
Benefit: The reform shifts money from the bureaucracy to the classroom. A Deloitte study last year suggested schools could save $9 billion nationwide through service sharing. Michigan's rough share of that $9 billion would be $300 million based on population. That $300 million is about 2.5 percent of total state spending on local schools.
How: Pass a law giving the state school superintendent the power to consolidate neighboring school districts if budget savings of 5 percent or more could be realized. Or pass a law requiring the sharing of services at the countywide intermediate school district level.
Obstacle: Local school officials fight the possibility that some of them may lose their jobs. Parents and other community members fear the loss of school traditions as well as local control.
Sources: Center for Michigan and
Business Leaders for Michigan
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