LANSING, MI (AP)-- State education Superintendent Mike Flanagan proposes that Michigan's counties play a much larger role in operating and overseeing public school districts.
Flanagan on Monday sent a letter to state lawmakers recommending a "hybrid system" that centralizes many administrative and academic functions with intermediate districts but maintains local control. He says it will "save millions of dollars minimally" and countywide districts work in states such as Florida.
Getting such a proposal through the Legislature would be challenging amid strong support for local school districts. But lawmakers requested that Flanagan at least submit something for consideration.
Troy Republican Senator John Pappageorge last month asked for a proposal at a committee hearing. He says such a district won't work in his populous home county of Oakland but could work in rural areas.
