Bloomfield Hills schools debate closure of a high school BY BILL LAITNER FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Small, low-key crowd After nearly a decade of sometimes crowded and contentious meetings, the Bloomfield Hills school board met Thursday night before a small, low-key crowd and voted 7-0 to work toward creating "one comprehensive high school." The board didn't discuss whether to close Andover or Lahser high schools, a decision likely to come at the June board meeting, President Martin Brooks said. "This is the way we will preserve broad opportunities for students" as enrollments and budgets shrink, Trustee Kate Pettersen said.

Even affluent districts … The vote shows that even Michigan's most affluent school districts are in fiscal straits, as state aid and property tax revenues dwindle while enrollments decline and leave districts with an excess of buildings and support staff, officials said. Closing either Andover or Lahser would save an estimated $3 million a year, Assistant Superintendent Tim Weeks told the board. Although the district cut its operating budget by $5.7 million -- more than 7% -- after closing two elementary schools last year and renegotiating labor contracts, it faces a $6.9-million deficit by 2013, communications director Betsy Erikson said. 5.7% cut implies about an $80 million school budget. They expect an additional $6.9 million deficit by 2013 (3 years from now). 5.7% cut implies about an $80 million school budget. They expect an additional $6.9 million deficit by 2013 (3 years from now).

Now … or later? Turnout was only about a dozen people for the 4 p.m. meeting, held three hours earlier than usual so that board members and school staff could attend opening night of the musical "Rent" at Andover, Superintendent Steven Gaynor said. Before the vote, two residents asked to delay a decision until new Superintendent Robert Glass starts in July. "Don't make a decision that will tie his hands and set half the community against him," former board member Carol Stencel said. But during a meeting with the school board this month, Glass told the board he might need two years on the job before recommending a solution, Gaynor said.

The Economics The current high schools' enrollment of 1,830 students will drop to 1,650 by 2013, officials said. Andover High, built in about 1955, has 985 students in grades Lahser High, built in 1967, has 843 students in grades Questions –What are capacities of the two schools? Can either one hold 1,650 students? –Transportation costs? –Quality of education? –Is there any way to increase enrollment … and thus funding?