LANSING – In a move that will begin closing the equity gap between Michigan schools, State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today voted for a School Aid Fund budget that will increase financial support for the state's lowest-funded districts, allowing them to retain teachers in high-demand subjects such as math and science, keep class sizes low and invest in Michigan's students to prepare them for the good-paying jobs of the 21st century.
"Education is the great equalizer," McDowell said. "It is absolutely vital that we fund all of our districts adequately, whether they're in St. Ignace or St. Claire Shores. This is a step in the right direction, but we still have a lot of work to do. If we want Michigan to be a leader in the 21st century global economy, we must provide all of our students with the education they need to succeed in the new economy."
Under the House budget plan, schools currently receiving the lowest payments would be brought closer in line with higher-funded districts through increases in equity payments. The equity payments would be based on how much each district currently receives – schools that receive $8,433 or more per student will see a $48-per-pupil increase in funding, while districts that receive $7,108 per student will receive a $96-per-pupil increase. School districts currently receiving payments in between these levels will receive an increase between $48 and $96 based on a sliding scale.
In McDowell's district, for example, Public Schools of Petoskey will receive an additional $278,986, Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools will receive an additional $237,146 and St. Ignace School District will receive an additional $70,824.
"In these difficult financial times, we were able to protect funding for education, despite the fact that we cut millions from nearly every other budget," McDowell said. "This agreement is a victory for our schools, teachers and students, but my job is not done until all Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula schools receive the amount of funding they deserve."