A state report that compares local, state and federal revenue received by public school districts was discussed Monday night by board members at Leland Public School, whose superintendent warned of looming “catastrophic” cuts in state funding.

Superintendent Mike Hartigan shared a copy of the Michigan Department of Education’s 2007-08 “Bulletin 1014” that indicated Leland’s per-pupil revenue is $1,781 less than the county average of $10,993. Taking Northport’s general fund revenue of $23,535 per child out of the equation would bring the average down to $10,178, Hartigan said.

Leland’s per-pupil revenue was $191 below the average in a 65-school peer group of districts with enrollments from 400 to 599. It was also $142 lower than the state average.

The only other county school coming in below-average in terms of revenue was Suttons Bay, whose 2007-08 revenue was $1,378 lower than the county average.

Northport and Glen Lake, which are both out-of-formula school districts, do not receive a per-pupil stipend from the state of Michigan because they can generate more revenue locally because of their high taxable value.

The situation has been magnified in recent years after the budget-strapped state made cuts in the foundation allowance.

“Our board has done a great job building a fine program … They’ve used the tax dollars wisely,” Hartigan said, adding that state legislators have been hearing from educators about funding inequities, but few have heard from concerned parents. “Parents should be excited. We don’t have a lot of fat and the next series of (budget) cuts is going to be catastrophic to the educational system in Michigan.”

The superintendent also expressed concern about 30 percent increases in health insurance costs seen recently in California. Retirement costs are expected to go up from more than 16 percent to more than 19 in one year alone.

In other business during the monthly meeting, the board continued to discuss pursuit of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at the high school level.

The curriculum, recognized worldwide, emphasizes critical thinking skills and students’ ability to defend their positions orally.

“This (curriculum) would be instead of Advanced Placement courses,” Hartigan said.

Hartigan is the chairman of the IB committee for the regional “Project ReImagine” effort that is examining the program.

Leland recently endorsed an “interested school” form that resulted in the district getting on the mailing list and receiving additional information.

“It still has to go through the school improvement (committee), but we’re looking at implementing some of the program in 2010-11 and more in 2011-12,” he said. “But it’s not a done deal yet.”