LANSING – State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) today announced increased K-12 funding of $3.5 million for local schools that will provide more per-pupil funding, and additional money for lower-funded districts, math and science programs, and schools with declining enrollment. Overall, the School Aid Budget will increase to $13.1 billion from $12.7 billion – an increase of nearly $400 million.
"The voters of the 103rd District sent me to Lansing two years ago based largely on my support for public education. Now, in two budget cycles, I have fought for and won needed funding for northern Michigan schools," says Sheltrown. "While there were those who tried to drain monies from the School Aid Fund for other purposes, I worked to keep those funds for K-12 education, where they belong."
This budget, as reported from conference committee, includes:
- All schools will receive $210 more in per-pupil funding.
- $20 million is set aside to provide a $23 per-pupil equity payment for districts that get less than $7,360 per student.
- Middle schools will receive an additional $54 per pupil to bolster math and science programs.
- Schools with declining enrollment will receive additional funding to combat their falling numbers from a $20 million fund.
"Our schools work with limited funding to provide a top rate education for our kids. This School Aid budget goes a long way to close the gap between school districts across the state," Sheltrown said. "I am proud that the Legislature has seen fit to provide for Michigan's public schools."
The School Aid Fund budget is expected to be taken up and passed without change in today's House Session. Funding allocated through this budget will apply to the 2006-2007 fiscal year beginning October 1, 2006.