LANSING – State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) announced today that the 2008 state budget includes a School Aid Fund plan that will increase financial support for the state's lowest-funded districts, allowing them to hire more teachers in high-demand subjects such as math and science, keep class sizes small and prepare Michigan's students for the good-paying jobs of the 21st century.
"All of Michigan's children deserve a high-quality education, regardless of where they live," said Espinoza, who worked on the state budget for months as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "We must provide our schools in the Thumb with the tools they need to prepare our students for the good-paying jobs of the future. Making sure that all students have access to a top-notch education will increase their ability to compete against workers from around the world and ensure that Michigan's workforce is second to none."
Under the K-12 budget passed by the House on Tuesday, schools currently receiving the lowest payments would be brought in line with higher-funded districts through increases in equity payments. The equity payments would be based on how much districts currently receive – schools that receive $8,433 or more per student will see a $48-per-pupil increase in funding, while districts that receive $7,108 per student will receive a $96-per-pupil increase. School districts currently receiving payments in between these levels will receive an increase between $48 and $96 based on a sliding scale.
Port Huron schools will see an increase of $94 per student under the plan – the base increase of $48, plus an equity payment of $46. The Port Huron school district will receive a total increase of $976,092. In Sanilac County, every school district will receive the maximum increase of $96 per student – $48, plus an additional $48 equity payment. For example, Croswell Lexington Community Schools will get an increase of $218,026 and Sandusky Community School District would get an increase of $121,522.
"Investing in education is an important part of attracting employers from emerging industries, because they want to set up shop in places that produce talented, innovative workers," said Espinoza, who is a former educator. "By closing the gaps in state school funding, we can ensure a brighter future for Michigan's students while also getting our state's economy moving in the right direction."