Press Statement—For Immediate Release
April 26, 2022

The Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Middle Cities Education Association and Education Advocates of West Michigan issued the following statement regarding the Senate Appropriations School Aid Subcommittee budget recommendation for FY 2023:

“We believe this budget is a missed opportunity to make much-needed progress for students.

Schools across the state are grappling with the competition of a tight labor market. An adequate budget provides schools with the necessary resources to build critical programs to meet the needs of all students. While we are encouraged that the proposal increases the per-pupil foundation allowance by $450, it does not make progress in other critical areas of a student-centered funding formula including special education and at-risk programs. Neither does it adequately support Intermediate School Districts, Pre-K Programs or other educational institutions that provide services to special populations and students with the greatest educational needs.

Each and every day educators across the state work diligently to meet the needs of Michigan’s students. Continued progress for our students requires a partnership with the state of Michigan and adequate resources to invest in important programming and services.

We ask that the Senate reject this budget proposal and work to build a budget that better meets the needs of all Michigan students.”