Investments in Literacy, Free Meals, Career & Technical Education Highlight School Aid Budget

State Superintendent Thanks Gov. Whitmer, Legislature for Collaboration That Puts Students First

Michigan State Board of Education members Dr. Judith Pritchett, secretary (back row, second from left), Tiffany D. Tilley, co-vice president (back row, center) and State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko (back row, second from right) with children in the Summer Discovery Program from Adler Elementary School in Southfield Public Schools who attended Gov. Whitmer’s State School Aid budget signing ceremony.

LANSING – Michigan students will greatly benefit from significant investments in literacy, school meals and Career and Technical Education in the fiscal year 2027 school aid budget signed today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The budget also includes sizable funding for several other priorities of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), including addressing the teacher shortage and providing additional dollars for students who are most in need.

In addition to signing the school aid budget, Gov. Whitmer also signed into law other education-related bills, including legislation that mandates state-funded Science of Reading training for grades preK-5 teachers who teach reading and legislation that requires faculty at educator preparation programs to receive training in the Science of Reading.

“The state school aid budget and Science of Reading legislation signed today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put Students First,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “Literacy investments, along with the many other education priorities in this budget, demonstrate what we can accomplish when we work as a team in a bipartisan fashion. I am excited that we are making literacy achievement Michigan’s top priority, because we must make sure that every Every Child Reads for Michigan’s students to be successful in school and in life.

“The budget also provides funding for every child in public schools to continue to receive free breakfast and lunch with the nutritious food they need to succeed in school,” Maleyko said. “It includes investments in our ongoing efforts to address the teacher shortage so students are taught by highly qualified, certified educators. It increases support for students with the greatest needs—children who are economically disadvantaged, English learners, and students with disabilities. It invests in Career and Technical Education, rural and isolated school districts, student transportation, and dual enrollment opportunities that expand college access. I thank the governor and our legislative partners for putting Students First.” 

Maleyko attended a budget signing ceremony this morning at Adler Elementary School in Southfield Public Schools.

“This education budget will help every Michigan student succeed, from pre-K to postsecondary and beyond,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This year, we’re making historic investments in early starts, proven methods, and extra help for our students so that Every Child Reads. I’m proud to sign this education budget which will invest in our educators, continue free school meals for all 1.4 million public school students, and deliver on the literacy plan laid out in my State of the State Address earlier this year. This budget is building on the progress we’ve already made to close the school funding gap, expand college affordability and skills training, and support students with greater needs. Together, we’re investing in our students and preparing them for success.”

The budget includes: 

• More than $500 million to support student literacy and achievement, the largest one-time literacy investment ever, including starting early, training teachers, adopting proven curriculum, and getting kids the extra help they need. The funding will pay for:
• Making free pre-K for all available through the Great Start Readiness program, saving families $14,000 per year.
• Supporting students and parents with expanded before- and after-school programming.
• Providing high-impact tutoring so students benefit from individualized, structured, evidence-based interventions, helping them catch up and get back on track.
• Providing grants to school districts, helping them purchase and implement high-quality literacy programs.
• Continuing to implement Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training, which trains educators in the Science of Reading—including strategies like phonics—as an instructional method for use in classrooms statewide. The budget provides the funding needed to pay for Science of Reading training for all preK-5 educators.
• Funding regional support for families of young children and expanding the Michigan Learning Channel.
• Hiring additional regional literacy coaches to assist teachers in developing and implementing instructional strategies for pupils in grades pre-K to 5.
• Supporting Literacy Essentials and comprehensive professional learning about the science of reading for educators at all grade levels.  
• $200 million to continue Michigan School Meals, which provides a free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in the state.
• A $4.3 million increase to $46 million for Career and Technical Education programs that are growing in popularity as a way to prepare students for postsecondary education and rewarding careers.
• $257 million to address the teacher shortage, including funds for Grow Your Own programs, MI Future Educator fellowships and MI Future Educator stipends.
• A weighted funding model that provides 20% more funding for students in need—English learners and economically disadvantaged students.
• An increase in the foundation allowance to provide school districts with $10,300 per pupil, up from $10,050 this fiscal year.
• $125 million for transportation costs.
• $40 million for reimbursing school districts for students’ dual enrollment in secondary school and college.

 The Michigan Senate and House approved the school aid budget on July 3.

State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko (back row, left), members of the State Legislature, and students and staff from Southfield Public Schools celebrate as Gov. Whitmer holds up the signed school aid budget at Adler Elementary School. 

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