In my most recent web post, I wrote that the Haslett School District has more than 300 staff members who dedicate their working days to serving students.  Teachers, in particular, also devote evening and weekend hours to lesson planning, grading papers, chaperoning school trips, attending parent conferences, tutoring, applying for grants for exciting new educational experiences for their students, answering parent e-mails, purchasing extra supplies for their classroom - often out of their own pockets - and the list of all that teachers do for students outside of class goes on.

In school, every day, they help their students comprehend new concepts, strengthen learning skills, discover new talents, find their passion for art, music, foreign language, science, creative writing, photography, mathematics, and history - as well as offer the kind of encouragement and support that often leads to a lifetime of success.  As educators, they convey their own love of life-long learning to their students.

I think about this dedication in light of the apprehension so many of them must feel about their own future in public education in Michigan, along with their alarm over what declining state revenues - and cuts in per pupil funding - may mean for their students' chances of receiving a quality education.

Early this year, the Haslett Board of Education approved more than $2 million in reductions to our district budget.  Months later, when preliminary projections had Michigan legislators looking at a reduction in state aid for 2009-10 of $125 per student, the Haslett Board approved another $300,000 in cuts.  However, in October, Michigan lawmakers mandated a deeper $165-per-pupil reduction in state aid, and Governor Jennifer Granholm has since ordered another decrease of $127, for a total of $292 per student.

While it's still possible that Michigan legislators will use federal stimulus funds to somewhat alleviate this year's school budget burdens, projected cuts for the 2010-11 school year are even more drastic - anywhere between $300 to $600 per pupil in additional cuts.

That means Haslett School District - like others throughout the state - faces more hard choices in the coming months.  Top of mind, of course, will be how to make the reductions in a way that will have the least negative impact on our students, and our mission to provide educational opportunities that enable students of all aspirations and abilities to grow and learn.

There's no question that this is a tough time for many Michiganders.  Our state ranks highest in the nation for unemployment, mostly due to the loss of jobs tied to our auto industry.  There are no quick fixes and no easy answers.

So, it's important to me to take this opportunity to personally applaud our teachers and staff for their commitment to our students, and for the fine job they do every day, despite the personal anxiety they may feel about their job security and future financial well-being.

Because of these dedicated educators, our students - who do so well on their state standardized tests and other measures of achievement - are primed to be successful learners long after they leave the Haslett School District.