SPECIAL K-12 EDUCATION EDITION

Governor Discussing Impact of K-12 Cuts in Monroe this Morning

The governor is in Monroe this morning to participate in a roundtable discussion with local school board officials, superintendents, educators and parents about the impact of cuts in funding for K-12 schools.

Monroe Public Schools already cut more than $2 million for the current fiscal year in anticipation of funding reductions.  The district cut $200 per student, thinking that would be sufficient, but with the recent $165 and $127 cuts in per pupil funding, the district is now facing a $92 per student deficit.  Making up that deficit means another $650,000 needs to be cut.  The district says it may have to increase class sizes, possibly privatize its custodial department, and reduce teachers in areas such as physical education, art, music and technology.  Classes in those subjects are currently being offered to students, so students would have nowhere to go if the cuts are made now. 

Key messages:

Additional revenue is needed for schools to avoid increased class sizes and the cutting of programs, some of them in mid-term.
The most important, long-term strategy for transforming Michigan's economy is education.  Our ability to reshape and diversify our economy is wholly dependent on having a skilled, educated workforce.
Twenty-first century jobs require 21st century minds.  If Michigan is to compete in the global economy, all of our children have to have world-class education and skills. 

Michigan House Passes Bill Using Recovery Act Money to Restore School Funding

On Thursday the Michigan House voted 74-29 to restore $184 million in school aid cuts using federal Recovery Act funds set aside for fiscal year 2011.

The legislation would increase state aid to schools by about $115 per pupil, restoring most of the recent proration cut of $127 per pupil.  Schools still would see their funding drop by the equivalent of $165 per pupil, the decrease that lawmakers approved when they passed the school aid budget.

Key messages:

We appreciate that House members are addressing the K-12 funding cuts, but using Recovery Act dollars merely kicks the can down the road and creates a bigger problem for the school aid fund next year.
The governor will support any funding mechanism that protects schools from harsh cuts, but this one-time funding is the least preferable option.

We also recognize that while House members are trying to address the problem, the solution will require both House and Senate approval to reach the governor's desk.

Governor's Op-Ed on K-12 Funding in Today's Detroit News

An op-ed by the governor on K-12 funding appears in today's The Detroit News.  Following is a link to the article: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091106/OPINION01/911060345/1008/opinion01/Stop-school-aid-bleeding

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