WOODTV.com - Drastic cuts proposed for Grand Rapids Public Schools
My poor little town. Things are getting really shitty around here.

Officials with the Grand Rapids Public School District announced Wednesday morning a proposal for $15 million in immediate cuts.

The majority of the cuts involve staff members - 25 central office personnel and 85 to 90 teachers spread over several schools, and 70 paraprofessionals mostly from elementary and special education. The district also recommends privatizing more than 400 bus drivers and custodians.

Board members also warn that in a couple of months they will announce the closing of more schools. Plus, Superintendent Bert Bleke will resign next June.

"We're in a situation where I have to make some very, very difficult recommendations to the board," Bleke said. "Do I like them? Absolutely not. Do I have to do that? Absolutely. Do I think we're going to change any minds in Lansing? I don't know. I hope they understand the severity of the problem. And, if not, they're not paying attention."

And the city parks might be closing, also. Everyone enjoying their tax cuts?

The penny pinching and budget cutting have gotten so bad in Grand Rapids that Wednesday night city leaders were asking the public for hand-outs. The city's parks department is on the chopping block, and elected officials are asking you to donate money to keep the parks and recreation open and operating.

Parks across Grand Rapids could be closing. That means no more monkey bars, no more sliding boards, and no clean, fun space for children to play, because there would be no one available to make sure the equipment is safe and the grass gets cut.

Grand Rapids has a fiscal crisis, the worst since the Great Depression. The city is $12 million over budget. Getting rid of the parks department and essentially cutting 100 positions saves the city $4 million.

My golden girl Jenny is starting to pay the price for all this, too. Polls waaaay down. This absolutley sucks- she inherited this situation where she had to stick to the tax cuts set up by Engler and has been screwed by the Feds in the meantime. Essentially the Pubs put us in this mess and stand to benefit from it.

Sorry Jen. Maybe a job in Washington would be better for you anyway. Get the fuck out of this backward, stupid state. If they want to be the Mississippi of the north, they get what they deserve.

I wish I knew someone in California.