Officials at the Livonia Public Schools in Wayne County are considering privatizing the district's custodial staff, bus drivers, and food service workers in an effort to offset an expected deficit of nearly $15 million in this year's $140 million budget.
School officials said they could save millions by privatizing its janitorial staff and bus drivers. A big piece of the savings would come from retirement costs, according to local reports.
Contributing to the deficit is a steep reduction in per-pupil state aid and declining enrollment. Officials said they would recommend laying off staff and making other cuts in addition to the privatization option.
The school board is expected to take up the issue at its March 22 meeting.
