Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
Saginaw Public Schools Board of Education Superintendent Carlton Jenkins had a tough decision to make, one that was not going to be popular with the community, but it was one that needed to be made.
Either close Saginaw High School to cut money from the school district’s budget deficit or come up with a different plan that would save the beloved school from the wrath of the financial stranglehold.
When Jenkins announced his initial decision to close The High, the community came out in droves in support keeping the school open. The plan called for Saginaw High to combine with Arthur Hill and The High would close its doors forever.
The community wasn’t having it.
“I know if I was a senior next year and The High was closing, I would be going to Bridgeport,” said Saginaw High point guard Keyon Addison after the Trojans 70-64 victory over the Lumberjacks earlier this month.
“In my opinion, it’s silly to even be considering something like that.”
Arthur Hill boys’ basketball coach Greg McMath agrees with Addison’s assessment of the situation. “For someone that went to Saginaw High and now coaches at Arthur Hill, it’s hard to ever imagine having both schools combine,” he said. “Mr. Jenkins was put in rough spot, but I am extremely proud of how the community came out and supported the cause, and the board listened to their concerns.”
February was a headache for the board of education, students, administrators, and teachers.
The board met nine days during the month, as the district leaders dealt with a financial crisis.
The Michigan Department of Education required the Saginaw Public School District to turn in a deficit-elimination plan for the next two school years.
From 2011 to 2016, the district is projected to fall $32 million short. It has an $81 million annual budget. In 2011, when it first went into deficit, the state began financial oversight of the district.
Although it has not been easy, the district has submitted a plan that includes cutting $4.9 million from the 2014-2015 budget and $5.3 million from the 2015-2016 budget and keeps The High open.
Since 2005, Saginaw Public School District has lost more than 3,600 students and has cut 45 percent of its teachers and 57 percent of its administrative staff. Officials have closed 13 school buildings in the past decade.
Despite all the uncertainty about the possible closing of Saginaw High, there was still a game to be played Feb. 14, one that potentially could have been the final regular-season game between Saginaw and Arthur Hill. The High prevailed behind a triple-double from Algevon Eichelberger and 20-plus points from Addison.
The two teams hooked up again during the first round of districts March 3. The raw emotion of a Saginaw High vs. Arthur Hill game is intense, but it’s what drives the student-athlete.
And now, with a new district plan that does not include closing Saginaw High, the rivalry between the two crosstown schools lives to see another day.
“”Regardless if this year was the last year for Saginaw High or not, I’m a Trojan for life,” Addison said. “Now that we know Saginaw High will stay open, it’s exciting what the future holds for the next graduating class that comes through those doors of The High.”