LANSING – In order to ensure schools have the resources they need for their students to receive the best education possible, House Democrats today unveiled a new plan to give the state's lowest-funded schools more money to hire additional teachers, reduce class sizes and distribute necessary resources for our schools.
"Education is essential to preparing our children for success in their future, and our school-funding equity program will ensure our students are ready for competition in tomorrow's global economy," said State Representative Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights). "All of Michigan's students deserve to have equal access to quality education and this plan will level the playing field. This is the right answer for Michigan."
Under the plan, funding would be provided to narrow the gap between the lowest- and highest-funded school districts. The disbursement amount would vary based on the amount each district currently receives, gradually bringing the lowest district payments in line with Michigan's higher-funded districts. At least $20 million would be available for equity payments through the program in year one.
Currently, Michigan's 774 school districts receive revenue through the Michigan School Aid Fund (SAF). In fiscal year (FY) 1993-94, the year before the implementation of Proposal A, school districts received a combination of state and local money for its operations. The funding received by a school was entirely dictated by the conditions within that school district, resulting in substantial per-pupil funding disparity among the then 557 school districts.
Implemented in 1994, one of the funding mechanisms of Proposal A was designed to eliminate the gap between the highest- and lowest-funded districts. However, the provision in Proposal A to ensure equity ended in 1999 before reaching its intended goal. As a result, large per-student funding differentials still exist through the current SAF distribution formula. Due to these large disparities, certain schools have the resources for top-notch instruction and smaller class sizes while other districts are struggling to provide children essential educational tools.
"Education is the great equalizer, and all students deserve equal access to these resources," Constan said. "To build a strong workforce that will roll out the welcome mat for new investment, new businesses and new jobs, we must give all of our citizens the education and training they will need to compete in the 21st century."