Detroit foresees trouble meeting payroll

The Detroit school system expects to be millions of dollars short on payrolls through most of the remaining school year. The district's shortfall is projected at $21.6 million on the March 17 pay date, $16.1 million on April 14, $17.4 million on May 12 and $21.3 million on June 9, according to reports the district files with the state. In addition, the district has at least $42 million in overdue bills as of Jan. 29 -- double the arrears reported in November. The shortage includes $9.2 million in retirement payments to the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System.