The Lansing School Board has done the math -- the budget is set.

But in these tough times, have there been too many subtractions for parents?

"Right now in this budget they're looking at cutting too many programs," Parent Debra Dawsey said "What will our kids have?"

Plenty argue school officials.

"We still have reduced class sizes, we still have programs other districts don't offer," School Board President Hugh Clarke said.

They say the cuts that balanced next year's budget won't hit the classroom. In fact, they say, designating the schools as Title I will only add to instruction.

"The infusion of additional dollars, will allow us to provide greater support to our secondary schools," Superintendent TC Wallace said.

Plus, Wallace said, each building now has a plan to increase student achievement -- no excuses -- another part of the Repositioning Plan.

"It certainly has the opportunity to bring in more dollars in from other sources to help out in the buildings," Clarke said.

At least a few parents, like Debra Dawsey said the district needs to get it's priorities in order to keep families like hers in the district.

"The only thing we ever hear about are the Magnet schools," she said. "We don't have a very good idea of what that encompasses. We as parents don't hear about what's going on in our traditional schools."

That will all change Wallace said, communication will be key.

"We will capitalize on the positive which means we will continue to share success stories within the district," Wallace said. "That will be the hook necessary to maintain or perhaps increase student enrollment."

The "Title I" designation allows the schools to get more federal funding.
However, it requires a bigger financial commitment from the district down the road.