NEW STUDENTS: More than 150 former Inkster students register for the Taylor School District after their old district is dissolved by the State of Michigan

On Monday, staff from the Taylor School District spent the day registering former Inkster students and families into Downriver's largest school system. According to TSD Assistant Supt. Teresa Winnie, more than 150 new students are now heading for Taylor.

The State of Michigan recently dissolved the Inkster Public Schools, forcing the students in that district to be divided among the four contiguous public school districts of Taylor, Romulus, Wayne-Westland and Westwood. 

Families living between Michigan Avenue (north), Van Born (south), Middlebelt (west) and Inkster (east) have been designated for the Taylor School District. 

While the elimination of any public school district is a painful process, it marks positive economic news for the four surrounding districts. Taylor, for instance, is currently in a Deficit Elimination Plan with the state.

Last year, Taylor had approximately 7,300 students with a general fund budget of $62 million and a Foundation Per Pupil Allowance of $7,547. 

Given the fact that the great majority of local public school funding comes directly from the state's "per pupil grant" each year, the influx of 150 new students is very good news for any district. 

From strictly a financial standpoint, another 150 new students would mean over $1 million in additional annual funding flowing into a district that has recently found itself in difficult economic times.

Asst. Supt. Winnie was extremely pleased with the registration day.

"To say I was pleased is an understatement," she said in an email to TSD staff yesterday. "Dan Kresbaugh, the secretarial staff and school personnel worked relentlessly to make Inkster parents and students feel welcome to the district. There was much laughter, camaraderie and great conversation.

"The students who came with their parents were very interested in all that we were sharing with them and asked great questions."

Inkster parents should note that to attend Taylor schools on Sept. 3, their children must be registered. What is needed to register your child in the Taylor School District is available by clicking here.

Anyone from Inkster, as well as any out-of-district students who would like to attend Taylor schools, still have time to register. Families can do that at the Pupil Accounting Department, 9551 Westlake, Taylor, MI, 48180, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.