Ann Arbor Public Schools is poised for a comeback.
The respected school district known for its academic rigor and diversity faced criticism from community stakeholders, parents and educators when it made the difficult decision to lay off teachers and cut language programs in response to an emergency budget deficit.
The district is working to move past its financial instability, moving into the 2024-25 school year with a balanced budget and looking for new ways to engage its community.
Here’s a breakdown on everything parents should know about Ann Arbor Public Schools.
1. Overview of Ann Arbor Public Schools
- Phone number: 734-994-2200
- Number of schools: 32
- Number of students: 16,981
- Pupil to teacher ratio: 17:1
- PPE (Per Pupil Expenditures): $18,833
- Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
- Claim to fame: Ann Arbor Public Schools is known for its academic rigor and commitment to diversity. The district is in an enviable location near the University of Michigan–its proximity to one of the highest ranking public research universities in the country allows for more educational opportunities for students.
2. Staff and program cuts due to $20.4 million funding deficit
Despite pushback from community stakeholders, Ann Arbor Public Schools took divisive measures to balance its 2024-25 budget following a projected $20.4 million funding gap. The deficit resulted in a reduction in staff by 6 percent as well as cuts to programs like world language, among other cost-saving measures.
The district has said that a combination of staff increases, an enrollment drop by 1,123 over the past four years and an increase in operating expenses had resulted in the deficit.
Moving forward, the district has announced a balanced budget for the 2024-25 school year after cutting $25 million from the budget.
3. Electric buses joining fleet
Four new electric buses were purchased thanks to $800,000 in funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, doubling the number of electric buses owned by the district. The new additions to the district’s transportation services will provide better air quality for students, save money and push the district toward its sustainability goals.
4. Teacher training to elevate literacy
A state funded program to elevate literacy instruction and reading proficiency for more than 150 educators district wide has begun. The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional development program will supply teachers with the most up-to-date research-backed strategies and techniques.
LETRS training focuses on the science of reading approach for teaching, training teachers to recognize the barriers that can prevent students from reading successfully. A cohort of 10 educators have already completed 90 hours of training ahead of the 2024-25 school year.
5. New recreation and education programs
While AAPS Community Recreation and Education has been serving the adults and youth of the district for nearly 100 years, the programming is constantly being updated. The department is independently funded, but maintains a close partnership with the district.
The organization has five divisions: Team sports, lifelong learning, early childhood, before and after care, and administration. New programming for kids includes private chess lessons and acrylic painting.
After school care programs are also being expanded to two additional elementary buildings for the 2024-25 school year.
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