Onsted superintendent addresses budget concerns, says no programs are being cut

ONSTED, Mich. — Onsted Community Schools Superintendent Jonathan Royce is responding to growing community concerns about the district’s budget and says some of the rumors circulating aren’t accurate.

Royce told WTOL 11 that despite speculation at this week’s school board meeting, the district is not facing a million-dollar deficit and no programs are being eliminated.

Much of the recent concern has centered on talk of building consolidation and how quickly those discussions seemed to escalate. Royce says Monday’s board meeting was an opportunity for both sides to slow down and hear directly from families.

The board approved a resolution giving the superintendent more flexibility with district finances. which Royce says allows more time to gather information and hold community conversations before making decisions.

“They decided to put forth a resolution that gave me a little bit more latitude so we can extend the runway with which we’re making decisions,” he said.

One program that some parents were concerned about, the district’s new trades lab, is staying in place. The hands-on pre-trade course launched last year and has been well-received, according to Royce.

“It doesn’t make sense to eliminate things the community has already asked for and we’ve already implemented,” he said. “We’re going to continue to streamline and build on those things that are working well.”

Royce says the district is now focused on gathering accurate information and creating more opportunities for residents to share input as they work toward a balanced budget.

“We’re organizing opportunities for feedback now, getting input that will guide next steps,” he said.