Flint Schools superintendent to retire; board says deficit may be bigger than predicted

The superintendent of Flint Public Schools is stepping down. 

Linda Thompson took the helm of the troubled Flint school district in 2008.

The district was hemorrhaging red ink, had a shrinking school population  and poor academic performance.

Thompson eliminated positions, closed buildings, and privatized some non-instructional services.

Then in June, the Flint Board of Education announced it would not renew Thompson's contract.

Some board members also say that a projected $4 million budget deficit could be closer to $11 million.

They allege that including the budget of a vocational program that serves students countywide may have concealed the full extent of the district's financial problems.

In a letter, Thompson denies any improprieties involving the Genesee Area Skill Center.

She also gave a 90-day notice that she will retire.