Pre K-12 & PSRP Issues
Background IssuesIt is well past time for Michigan to align its spending priorities with our state's need to be an educational leader. In so doing we want to address the disparity between lower and higher funded districts. Only then will we be able to take steps towards closing the achievement gap. School funding discussions in Lansing are too often divorced from the real needs of students and schools. By continually looking to shave more dollars off the budget, we shortchange our state's future. A handful of schools are able to implement reforms like smaller class sizes and extended school days because they receive large donations to supplement their state aid. While many foundations provide valuable resources, their funds are limited and inevitably benefit some children and not others. If we expect all of our schools to implement research-based reforms, they need state funding to do so. At the heart of the school funding issue is a state revenue problem. Our state's revenue system is antiquated, unfair, unstable and inadequate. In short, it is holding our state back and hurting our children. It must be fixed if we are to have serious discussions about creating a great educational system in Michigan. What We NeedRealistic Assessment of Financial Needs: The State should examine the real financial obligations and needs of school districts to develop a starting point for budget discussions. Adequate, Stable and Fair Tax Structure: Michigan needs a tax system that creates jobs, is stable, adequate and is fair to Michigan families. Predictable Funding for Michigan Schools: Michigan schools need to be funded in a way that provides them with fiscal stability. This will require the Legislature completing the school aid, community college, and higher education budgets by June 1st and adequately addressing the reality of declining enrollment in school funding plans. |
