LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA), Michigan School Boards Association (MASB) and Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) today issued their evaluation of the Michigan Senate and House education budget proposals, offering strong praise for the Senate’s approach while expressing serious concerns about the House budget’s failure to address critical priorities for Michigan’s students and schools.
Senate Budget: A Strong Foundation for Michigan Schools
The Senate budget includes weighted funding for At-Risk students and English Language Learners (ELL) – not only significantly increasing investment in these critical areas but providing schools with increased flexibility to direct those dollars where they are needed most: the classroom. Michigan school leaders strongly endorse this approach, which aligns with best practices being adopted by states across the country.
School leaders also commend the Senate for modifying the 31aa school safety and mental health boilerplate to recognize the need for an independent, comprehensive investigation following tragedies involving gun violence, while ensuring that schools and their employees are not forced to waive constitutionally protected rights simply to access safety funding. This change is essential for schools to confidently participate in the program.
“MASA applauds the Michigan Senate for delivering a responsible, forward-looking education budget that addresses the needs of Michigan’s most vulnerable students and gives schools the tools they need to succeed,” said Dr. Tina Kerr, MASA Executive Director.
House Budget: Significant Work Remains
In contrast, the House education budget failed to heed the clear and unified feedback from Michigan’s education community on two foundational issues: weighted student funding and school safety boilerplate.
The House budget does not include weighted funding targets for At-Risk and ELL students. This is a significant missed opportunity. Weighted funding is a nationally proven model that provides stability and predictability for schools year after year, allowing them to plan effectively and serve their most at-risk learners.
“This year, the education community spoke with a single voice and said we need to modernize Michigan’s funding structure and move to true weighted funding,” said Wendy Zdeb, executive director of MASSP. “These thoughts were echoed by a broad coalition of school and business leaders and are clearly reflected in the Governor’s budget proposal and in the Senate budget that came out today. We are deeply disappointed that the House budget fails to reflect the collective priority of Michigan’s school administrators, teachers and charter schools”.
Also concerning is the House’s treatment of the 31aa school safety and mental health boilerplate. While the House did make some changes, the revised language still does not provide schools with the legal security they need to accept the funding. If this language is enacted, many districts will have to remain cautious about participating in the program, leaving students without critical safety and mental health resources.
“The House needs to go back to work on its proposal”, said Don Wotruba, executive director of MASB. “The good news is that the Senate has provided a clear blueprint, and that both budget proposals came out in April and not June. There is time to get this right and get the budget done on time.”
“Our organizations look forward to working with the House, the Senate, and the Governor’s office to ensure the final budget includes weighted funding and fixes the 31aa boilerplate once and for all,” said Dr. Kerr. “Michigan’s students are counting on us.”
