Downriver Today

The bipartisan education budget, recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), marks the biggest per-student investment in Michigan history.

The budget earmarks half a billion dollars for school infrastructure, school safety enhancements, as well as recruiting efforts and mental health assets, according to a July 14 press release.

“This year’s budget is going to pay huge dividends for our students now and into the future,” said Jason Messenger, Principal of Portage West Middle School and President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors in the release. “In addition to increasing funding for our students with the greatest need, the significant investments in mental health and school safety will help ensure that students are safe and supported at school so they can reach their potential.”

Messenger added that being able to recruit new teachers would be a valuable asset to the public education system.

“Every kid in every district deserves to feel safe and supported in school, and I am proud today to sign a historic, bipartisan education budget that will make game-changing investments to improve every student’s in-class experience,” Whitmer said in the release. “The budget makes the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history to help schools buy new textbooks, offer more personalized instruction and bolster AP (Advanced Placement) and honors classes. It also bolsters resources for special education, at-risk funding and career and technical education while expanding slots in free after-school and preschool programs.”

Whitmer added that the budget was designed to improve the campus experience of all parties involved in the education system.

"Gov. Whitmer has worked effectively with the legislature and came through for students and educators, this time with a strong budget that represents the largest per-pupil investment in our state’s history,” said David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan. “The increase in support for at-risk and special education students is critical, as it will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success. The move to further invest in both career and technical education and colleges and universities also reaffirms the governor’s commitment to strengthening our economy and ensuring Michigan students have options for their future.”

“On behalf of MEA's 120,000 members from across the state, we would like to thank Gov. Whitmer for listening to the voices of educators and taking our expertise to heart in developing this transformative education budget,” said Paula Herbart, President of the Michigan Education Association and a veteran teacher from Macomb County.

Every student will receive $9,150 in funding, along with $214 for mental health resources, according to the release. Grants will also be provided to help 200,000 special education and 710,000 at-risk students. The funds will provide 1,300 additional free preschool slots in the Great Start Readiness Program and school infrastructure with $250 million.