Lapeer Community Schools announced this week the next steps in their strategic planning process.
Due to ongoing declining population at the State and local level leading to reduced funding, it is incumbent upon school districts in Michigan, and particularly Lapeer Community Schools, to investigate operational efficiencies whenever possible. A greater-than-anticipated student enrollment decline and a shift of many students from a traditional classroom setting to virtual programming has created available space in district buildings. With economic uncertainties creating budgetary challenges, LCS must explore innovative ways to reduce expenditures and/or increase revenues.
The Board of Education has started that important work by beginning discussions early in the current budget cycle. In the coming weeks, there will be a number of district engagements designed to educate and solicit feedback from the staff and the community on ideas about how to balance the budget and design our district for maximum efficiency and optimal student experience moving forward.
Lapeer Community Schools has been involved in strategic planning for the last decade and a half, successfully navigating declining enrollment and uncertain funding for public schools. The high school merger, combined with the advent of innovative programming such as Lapeer Early College, Lapeer Virtual Partnership, and dual enrollment opportunities, among others are evidence that we can do this important work and emerge stronger as a result!
We are focused on providing a world-class education to our students while at the same time operating the district in a fiscally responsible way.
Thank you,
Matthew T. Wandrie
Superintendent, Lapeer Community Schools