Dear Members of the Arenac Eastern Community,
As we enter into another change of seasons here in Northeast Michigan, the climate of public education is also changing. At the State level, the Legislature and the Governor have continued to not fund P-12 education at the levels established by Proposal A. For Arenac Eastern and the other schools in the State who are supposed to be funded at the minimum foundation grant level of $7, 316 per student, this is a significant loss in revenue. Beginning with the 2011-2012 and continuing into the 2012-2013 school year, Arenac Eastern will receive $6,846 per student through the Proposal A foundation grant. This is a loss in revenue of over $230,000 over a two year period.
Another area of concern is with student enrollment. We began the year with a fall pupil count of around 265 students and as of our February count day that number has dwindled to 250 students. The cause for this is varied, with the economy being probably the number one reason. Over the next 3-5 years unless the economy really improves and jobs become more plentiful, we will continue to see our enrollment trend go down slightly and then become more stable.
Given the information above, Arenac Eastern is and will continue to provide the best education and programming for students and to also be a school district that this community can be proud of. The keys to make this happen is for students, staff and parents to work together to insure student academic achievement and to help them grow in other areas such as technology, music and athletics. We are constantly working to improve our existing programs to allow all students the opportunity to have a positive experience with whatever they choose.
Please feel free to contact any of our building offices and staff with any questions or concerns that you may have. Our number one priority is the students of this district and we look forward to working with you to make sure that they are successful.
Have a great Spring!
William J. Grusecki
Superintendent/K-12 Principal
Just 4's Preschool program is registering students for next year. If your child will be 4 by December 1, call (989) 867-4234, ext 5 to schedule an appointment. Must provide: birth certificate, immunization record, proof of residency, and proof of income.
Click here to see our Student Newsletter
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Mrs. Hackelberg at hackelbergl@arenaceastern.org. Student newsletter staff: Tyler Schutte, Tyler Card, Sam Phelan, Tiffany Miracle, Amber Ballard, Katilyn Sherwood, John Spencer, and Katelyn Good
