MI GOP candidate: Privatize most school services

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard says he thinks school districts could save money by having intermediate school districts contract out transportation, food and janitorial services for schools within their jurisdiction.

The Oakland County sheriff said Tuesday he has saved $1.6 million a year by privatizing food services at the county jail.

He says schools can see their own savings by consolidating services and leveraging their purchasing power. He adds that some school districts already have turned some services over to private contractors.

A spokeswoman for the Michigan Education Association says the proposal would take away schools' ability to decide who's interacting with students.

The MEA represents nearly 40,000 school bus drivers, cooks and janitors statewide.