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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Buena Vista Graduation In Question As Michigan School District Remains Shuttered

Buena Vista Graduation In Question As Michigan School District Remains Shuttered:


Buena Vista Graduation In Question As Michigan School District Remains Shuttered

When high school seniors worry about whether they can graduate, it's usually because they're failing a class or two.

Not in Buena Vista.

The tiny Michigan township's school district of about 400 mostly black, mostly poor students is broke. Schools are shuttered indefinitely. Seniors don't know if there will be a graduation or a prom. Or even a diploma. The district had students pay a fee for their graduation caps, gowns, hoods and diplomas -- but appears to have already spent the money.

Now that Buena Vista has burned through its funds, the state is deciding whether it wants to set a precedent of bailing out the school district. It's a question that will likely become more relevant in other states, as pension and