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Check out the latest news on the School Finance Research Collaborative.
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PRESS RELEASE: SFRC releases updated report on cost to educate a Michigan student during, post-COVID-19
Posted on: June 2, 2021
Study evaluates cost of additional technology, social, emotional needs, implementing new state academic standards and policies LANSING, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative today released an update of its landmark 2018 school adequacy study to reflect the increased cost to educate a Michigan child during and post-COVID-19. The revised study, “Update to Costing Out the Base Resources Needed to Meet Michigan’s Standards and Requirements” determined an updated base per-student cost to meet increased needs posed by the pandemic and implement new state academic standards and education-related legislation. “The original SFRC study was a groundbreaking look at Michigan’s school funding...
SFRC seeks Executive Director to lead school funding group
Posted on: April 5, 2021
The School Finance Research Collaborative seeks an Executive Director to provide vision, leadership, and oversight to accomplish the strategic goals of the organization as it moves into the next phase of its work on behalf of Michigan’s schools. The Executive Director will partner closely with the organization’s Board of Directors to establish and expand upon those goals and develop a detailed work plan to meet them within agreed upon timelines. The ideal candidate will have experience building advocacy campaigns, a track record of self-motivation and success in building collaborations and relationships with key partners, funders and communities along with the...
SFRC statement on Gov. Whitmer’s 2022 budget proposal
Posted on: February 11, 2021
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative member and Wayne RESA Superintendent Dr. Randy Liepa on proposed school-aid funding in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2022 budget plan. “We first want to recognize the governor and Legislature for providing a budget this year that avoided funding cuts to education that were originally estimated. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on the huge inequities and lack of fairness in Michigan’s school funding approach as students face new academic, emotional and physical challenges. It has never been more important for Gov. Whitmer and...
PRESS RELEASE: State education officials call on policymakers to follow SFRC’s school funding research
Posted on: January 12, 2021
COVID-19 has shined a spotlight on need for fair, equitable school funding for all Michigan students LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Board of Education met today and heard a presentation on the critical need for the state to adopt a new funding formula for Michigan schools based on the comprehensive School Finance Research Collaborative study. “COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the critical need for Michigan to adopt a funding model for our schools that focuses on the individual needs of our students and will help their recovery from this ongoing and unprecedented disruption in their lives,” said Robert McCann,...
STATEMENT: Education Trust-Midwest echoes SFRC research calling for weighted school funding approach
Posted on: June 23, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director Robert McCann on Education Trust-Midwest’s new report that supports the Collaborative’s landmark school funding adequacy study: “We welcome Education Trust-Midwest’s support for the School Finance Research Collaborative’s research, particularly the Collaborative’s call for policymakers to adopt its recommended weighted funding formula, which includes additional funding for special education, English Language Learners and students living in poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on huge inequities and the lack of fairness in Michigan’s school funding approach. Lawmakers grappling with the possibility of school cuts amid...
PRESS RELEASE: Business leaders, education experts urge lawmakers to heed SFRC study in budget debate
Posted on: June 18, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — Business leaders and education experts from across Michigan today called on policymakers to use the School Finance Research Collaborative study as a roadmap in determining school funding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, the Collaborative completed Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study that determined the true cost of educating a student, with additional funding considerations for special education students, students living in poverty, English Language Learners and Career and Technical Education programs. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on the huge inequities and the lack of fairness in how Michigan’s schools are funded,” said Dr. Randy...
PRESS RELEASE: SFRC reacts to Legislature’s failure to allocate federal COVID-19 relief funds to serve Michigan’s students
Posted on: June 17, 2020
COVID-19 relief bill another missed opportunity by policymakers to fix Michigan’s broken school funding approach LANSING, Mich. — The following are statements from the School Finance Research Collaborative reacting to the Legislature passing a bill that fails to allocate federal COVID-19 relief funds to serve the unique, individual needs of Michigan’s K-12 students: “Any additional school funding cuts could hamper a safe return to school and likely exacerbate the growing inequities in our schools, disproportionately affecting students with the greatest hurdles to learning,” said Dr. Randy Liepa, Wayne RESA superintendent. “From the digital divide to schools struggling to serve the...
STATEMENT: School Finance Research Collaborative reacts to revenue estimating conference
Posted on: May 15, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director Robert McCann regarding today’s revenue estimating conference. “Today’s revenue estimating conference shines a light on the unprecedented economic and budgetary challenges our state faces due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan’s schools are already underfunded, as demonstrated in the School Finance Research Collaborative’s research. Additional funding cuts as we prepare to reopen our economy would make a bad situation even worse and further limit our ability to meet the unique needs of all students. We should not and cannot balance next year’s budget on the...
STATEMENT: SFRC reacts to executive order closing school buildings for rest of school year
Posted on: April 2, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director Robert McCann reacting to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order closing public school buildings for the remainder of the school year during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic: “The School Finance Research Collaborative supports Gov. Whitmer’s executive order closing public school buildings for the remainder of the school year to protect the health, safety and well-being of all Michigan students, families, teachers and support staff. For schools to be successful in supporting students through this crisis, they will need lawmakers to step up, provide badly needed funding immediately,...
STATEMENT: School funding group reacts to Gov. Whitmer’s 2020-2021 budget proposal
Posted on: February 6, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director Robert McCann reacting to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2020-2021 budget proposal: “Gov. Whitmer’s 2020-2021 budget proposal takes significant steps toward a weighted school funding formula as recommended in the School Finance Research Collaborative report, including additional funding for special education services, at-risk students, students living in poverty and English Language Learners. We applaud the governor for her continued support for a new, fairer school funding approach that helps all students succeed, whether they are bound for college, technical school, skilled trades careers or jobs right after...
STATEMENT: SFRC applauds Gov. Whitmer’s support for weighted school funding method
Posted on: January 29, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director Robert McCann on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s support for a weighted school funding approach in her State of the State address: “We applaud Gov. Whitmer’s support for a weighted school funding approach as detailed in the 2018 School Finance Research Collaborative report and supported by Gov. Whitmer in her original 2019-2020 budget proposal. We appreciate the governor’s attention to third-grade literacy, which will only be improved with a new, fairer school funding approach that helps all students succeed, regardless of their circumstances.” The School Finance Research...
STATEMENT: Bills provide tax relief to big business at cost of Michigan’s K-12 students
Posted on: January 16, 2020
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from former Michigan Republican House Speaker Rick Johnson on committee approval of House Bills 5127–5128, which would provide tax breaks to data centers at the expense of Michigan’s K-12 students: “Michigan can no longer afford to provide tax breaks for big business at the expense of our K-12 students, who continue falling behind their peers around the country,” said Johnson, also a School Finance Research Collaborative member. “Now is the time for a new, fairer school funding approach that helps all students succeed, whether that means college, technical school, apprenticeships or jobs right after graduation. It’s time...
STATEMENT: Collaborative urges lawmakers to include SFRC research in school-aid budget
Posted on: September 9, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson. “Taking road funding off the table in the current budget discussions doesn’t change the need to complete work on a K-12 budget that begins to serve the unique needs of every student, with additional resources for at-risk students and those living in poverty. The School Finance Research Collaborative urges the Legislature to support Gov. Whitmer’s weighted school funding formula as part of its final school-aid budget, as recommended by our research and supported by educators and business leaders across Michigan.” The School...
PRESS RELEASE: Michigan business, education leaders weigh in on House K-12 budget
Posted on: June 6, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The following are statements from Michigan business and education leaders who serve on the School Finance Research Collaborative reacting to today’s House School Aid Appropriations Subcommittee approval of a 2020 school budget plan. Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, SFRC Project Director “It’s time for a new school funding method that provides all students the same opportunity to receive a high-quality education and compete for jobs. The School Finance Research Collaborative has provided the roadmap to fixing Michigan’s broken school funding approach to serve all students, regardless of zip code, income, learning challenges or other circumstances. I encourage the Legislature...
PRESS RELEASE: SFRC calls on governor, lawmakers to work together to fix broken school funding method
Posted on: May 31, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative today called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature to work together to fix Michigan’s broken school funding method to make it fair for all students. “Now is the time for Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature to come together and fix Michigan’s obsolete school funding approach to meet the unique, individual learning needs of all students, regardless of income, zip code, learning challenges or other circumstances,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director. “Michigan’s students continue falling behind, and the governor and lawmakers must adopt a new, fairer school...
PRESS RELEASE: West Michigan Talent Triangle announces support for Gov. Whitmer’s 2020 education budget
Posted on: May 10, 2019
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The West Michigan Talent Triangle supports Gov. Whitmer’s 2020 education budget, which incorporates the School Finance Research Collaborative findings to help all students achieve and succeed. “The West Michigan Talent Triangle supports Gov. Whitmer’s school funding plan, which uses nationally recognized research to make key investments so all students have the opportunity to get a high-quality education and compete for the jobs of the future,” said Tom TenBrink, superintendent of Jenison Public Schools. “The governor’s budget proposal also makes progress on ending the shell games played with the School Aid Fund by removing university funding. The...
PRESS RELEASE: SFRC congratulates Dr. Michael Rice as Michigan’s new Superintendent of Schools
Posted on: May 9, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative today congratulated Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice for being named Michigan Superintendent of Schools. As a Collaborative member, Rice has helped provide the roadmap for a new, fairer school funding approach that serves all students. “Dr. Rice has played an important role in the Collaborative’s efforts to fix Michigan’s broken school funding approach and make it fair for all students, and we congratulate him on his new role as the head of our public schools,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, Collaborative Project Director. “With Dr. Rice at the helm, Michigan is...
PRESS RELEASE: School funding group honored with 2019 Friend of Education Award
Posted on: May 2, 2019
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative on Wednesday was honored with the Michigan School Business Officials’ (MSBO) 2019 Friend of Education Award, given to people or organizations dedicated to serving the best interests of education and students. “The School Finance Research Collaborative is truly honored to accept the MSBO’s Friend of Education award as we continue our mission to fix Michigan’s broken school funding approach and provide an adequate and equitable education to all students,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, Collaborative Project Director, who accepted the award at the MSBO’s annual conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel....
PRESS RELEASE: Michigan business, education leaders respond to Senate K-12 budget
Posted on: April 25, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The following are statements from Michigan business and education leaders who serve on the School Finance Research Collaborative reacting to today’s Senate K-12 and Education Appropriations Subcommittee approval of a 2020 school budget plan. Dr. Randy Liepa, Wayne RESA superintendent “The state Senate’s K-12 budget represents a missed opportunity to begin fixing Michigan’s broken school funding approach and give all students the same opportunity to get a solid education and compete for jobs. I encourage lawmakers from both parties to support the School Finance Research Collaborative research, which makes clear that it’s time for a new approach...
PRESS RELEASE: Collaborative discusses need for school funding equity at MI Civil Rights Commission hearing
Posted on: March 26, 2019
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative on Monday addressed the need for a new, equitable school funding approach that serves the needs of all students at a Michigan Civil Rights Commission hearing in Clinton Township. The Collaborative discussed its roadmap for a fairer school funding method as part of the commission’s hearing on addressing discrimination in Michigan’s K-12 schools. “Michigan’s school funding method is broken, and Monday’s Civil Rights Commission hearing was the perfect venue to discuss the need for a new, fairer method that ensures all students have the same opportunity to get a good education, including students enrolled...
PRESS RELEASE: School finance group applauds Gov. Whitmer’s plan to help all students succeed
Posted on: March 5, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative today applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for calling for a new school funding approach that will help meet the unique needs of all Michigan students. “We applaud Gov. Whitmer for calling for a new, fairer school funding approach that will help meet the needs of all Michigan students,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director. “We look forward to working with Gov. Whitmer on a new funding method that provides all students the same opportunity to get a high-quality education and compete for jobs.” Whitmer’s education budget plan calls for...
STATEMENT: Gov. Whitmer highlights need for new, fairer school funding approach in State of the State
Posted on: February 12, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The following is a statement from Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director: “I applaud Gov. Whitmer for recognizing the need for a new, fairer school funding approach that meets the unique, individual and wide-ranging learning needs of all students in tonight’s State of the State address,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director. “Using Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study as a roadmap, we look forward to working with the governor as we chart a new path toward fixing Michigan’s broken school funding approach, ensuring every Michigan student has the same...
PRESS RELEASE: School finance group applauds Gov. Whitmer for making education a top priority
Posted on: February 1, 2019
LANSING, Mich. — The School Finance Research Collaborative today applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for making a high-quality education for all Michigan students a top priority in her upcoming State of the State address, according to media reports. “The School Finance Research Collaborative applauds Gov. Whitmer for her commitment to providing a high-quality education to all Michigan students, and for making education a top priority in her upcoming State of the State address,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative Project Director. “Using Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study as a roadmap, we look forward to working with the governor...
PRESS RELEASE: MSU report endorses findings of School Finance Research Collaborative study
Posted on: January 24, 2019
EAST LANSING, Mich. — A new Michigan State University report endorses the findings of the School Finance Research Collaborative’s study that determined the true cost of educating all students to make the way we fund schools more fair. MSU College of Education professor David Arsen supports the Collaborative’s work in his new report, Michigan School Finance at the Crossroads: A Quarter Century of State Control. “This important research further validates our call for a new, fairer school funding system that meets the wide-ranging, individual and unique needs of all Michigan students and provides the support services necessary to prepare them...
PRESS RELEASE: SFRC looking forward to working with Gov. Whitmer on new school funding approach
Posted on: January 9, 2019
LANSING, MICH. - The School Finance Research Collaborative is looking forward to working with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the new Legislature on a new, fairer school funding approach that addresses the unique, individual learning needs of all Michigan public school students, the school funding group announced today. “The School Finance Research Collaborative congratulates Gov. Whitmer and the new Legislature as they begin settling into their offices and tackling the many challenges facing the state of Michigan,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative Interim Project Director and Oakland Schools superintendent. “We are looking forward to sitting down with the...
PRESS RELEASE: School funding group calls for new, fairer school funding system at educators dinner
Posted on: December 11, 2018
ALPENA, Mich. — Michigan’s current school funding system fails to meet the needs of far too many students, and they will continue to fall behind without a new, fairer approach that meets their unique, individual learning needs, a representative of the School Finance Research Collaborative said at the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Board dinner in Alpena. The dinner was attended by local district school board members and superintendents within the intermediate school district. “Michigan is in dire need of a new, fairer school funding system that addresses the wide-ranging needs of all students and provides the support services necessary to...
PRESS RELEASE: School Finance Research Collaborative receives 482Forward’s 2018 Ally of the Year award
Posted on: November 19, 2018
DETROIT — The School Finance Research Collaborative on Saturday received 482Forward’s 2018 Ally of the Year award, given to proven allies for public education justice. Earlier this year, the School Finance Research Collaborative completed Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study that determined the true cost of educating all students to make the way we fund schools more fair. “This year, we are recognizing the School Finance Research Collaborative for its incredible leadership in spearheading the work to win full and fair funding for all Michigan children,” said Jamila Martin, Director of Operations for 482Forward, a citywide education organizing network in Detroit. “Thanks...
PRESS RELEASE: New statewide poll shows public support for reforming Michigan’s school finance system
Posted on: August 14, 2018
LANSING, Mich. — A new poll commissioned by the School Finance Research Collaborative and performed by nationwide research company Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, shows widespread support for changing the way we fund Michigan’s schools to make it fairer and meet the individual needs of all students. “This important statewide survey shows that Michiganders of all political stripes agree the way we fund Michigan’s schools is unfair and needs to change,” said Dr. Wanda-Cook Robinson, School Finance Research Collaborative member and Oakland Schools superintendent. “Our new poll should be a wake-up call for policymakers on both sides of the aisle, and...
PRESS RELEASE: U.P. school administrators learn about need for new, fairer school funding system
Posted on: August 2, 2018
ESCANABA, Mich. — It’s high time for a new, fairer school funding system that meets the unique needs of all students and prepares them for successful careers, regardless of where they attend school, representatives of the School Finance Research Collaborative said at this week’s 2018 U.P. Administrators’ Academy in Escanaba. The U.P. Administrators’ Academy brings school superintendents and administrators together to explore current issues in school administration and leadership. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to educating our kids, and a new, fairer school funding system is needed that addresses the needs of all students, whether they attend school here in...
PRESS RELEASE: $50,000 grant from Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will help shine a spotlight on the need for school finance reforms
Posted on: July 31, 2018
LANSING — Efforts to build support for a school finance system that helps all Michigan students succeed in the classroom and beyond have received an important boost, thanks to a one-year, $50,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for the School Finance Research Project. The project, an initiative of the School Finance Research Collaborative, has produced Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study and a roadmap to fixing Michigan’s broken school funding system. The School Finance Research Collaborative is a diverse group of business leaders and education experts, from Metro Detroit to the U.P., who agree it’s time to change...
PRESS RELEASE: The School Finance Research Project receives $200,000 award toward effort to reexamine school funding
Posted on: July 24, 2018
LANSING — The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to support the School Finance Research Project, which has produced Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study and a roadmap to fixing Michigan’s broken school funding system. The project is an initiative of the School Finance Research Collaborative, a diverse group of business leaders and education experts, from Metro Detroit to the U.P., who agree it’s time to change the way Michigan’s schools are funded. “We greatly appreciate the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s continued support of our effort to reexamine Michigan’s school funding system to serve the needs of all students,...
PRESS RELEASE: School Finance Research Collaborative announces findings of comprehensive school funding study
Posted on: January 17, 2018
LANSING — Top business and education experts today revealed the results from a comprehensive statewide study examining school funding in Michigan – an analysis that clearly demonstrates the need to reform Michigan’s school funding system. The School Finance Research Collaborative brought together the nation’s two leading school funding research firms to develop the report, which provides the most complete data available on school funding and gives policymakers the building blocks to reform the school funding system in Michigan. “This comprehensive report reflects the input of nearly 300 educators throughout Michigan, giving policymakers clear direction on how much it costs to...
PRESS RELEASE: Skillman Foundation awards $50,000 grant toward effort to reexamine school funding
Posted on: December 1, 2017
DETROIT, Mich. — The Skillman Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the School Finance Research Project, an effort to help determine the true cost of educating a student in Michigan, regardless of income, location or other circumstances. The project is an initiative of the School Finance Research Collaborative, a statewide, bipartisan and diverse group of business leaders and education experts who agree it’s time to reexamine how we fund Michigan’s public schools. “Michigan used to be a national leader in education. Now we’re at the bottom,” said Tonya Allen, President and CEO of the Skillman Foundation and a Collaborative...
PRESS RELEASE: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awards $100,000 grant to study school funding in Michigan
Posted on: November 30, 2017
LANSING, Mich. — The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Oakland Schools Education Foundation, the fiscal sponsor for the School Finance Research Project. The project, currently underway, will help determine the true cost of educating a student in Michigan, regardless of income, location or other circumstances. The project is an initiative of the School Finance Research Collaborative, a bipartisan and diverse group of business leaders and education experts from Metro Detroit to the U.P. who are leading efforts to reexamine school funding in the state. “This generous grant from the Mott Foundation will help us...
PRESS RELEASE: Videos released calling for fresh approach to funding Michigan’s public schools
Posted on: November 10, 2017
School Finance Research Collaborative videos ask: ‘What does it cost to educate a child?’ LANSING, Mich. — What does it cost to educate a child? Two new videos released this week explain the School Finance Research Collaborative’s mission to find out. The Collaborative is supporting Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study, expected in early 2018, that will help determine the true cost of providing a high-quality public school education to all students. “As the videos point out, we don’t know the cost of educating a public school student in Michigan, and that’s why our group of business leaders and education...
Determining the Cost of Educating a Child
Posted on: November 8, 2017
What does it cost to educate a child? These videos, released today, illustrate the School Finance Research Collaborative's mission to find answers. Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JIkpKyoI-A&feature=youtu.be What Does it Cost to Educate a Child? (short version) https://youtu.be/J0dU-ULeqUY What Does it Cost to Educate a Child? (long version)
PRESS RELEASE: Longtime Flint community leader joins School Finance Research Collaborative
Posted on: September 14, 2017
Isaiah Oliver, former Flint Community Schools Board of Education President, brings expertise in preparing students for bright futures to school funding group FLINT Mich. — Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and former Flint Community Schools Board of Education President, has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative, the school funding group announced today. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring the voice of the entire Flint community, including its most precious asset — Flint’s children — to the School Finance Research Collaborative as we take a long, hard look at how we fund Michigan’s...
PRESS RELEASE: SEMCOG hails work of School Finance Research Collaborative
Posted on: August 24, 2017
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments report supports effort to reexamine how Michigan funds its public schools DETROIT, Mich. — The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) today announced its support of the School Finance Research Collaborative’s efforts to reexamine how Michigan’s public schools are funded to best serve all students. SEMCOG, which represents Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, endorses the Collaborative’s work in its new report, Providing Quality Education for All Students: A Comprehensive Approach. “The support of SEMCOG, representing all of Southeast Michigan, is a major endorsement of the School Finance Research Collaborative’s mission...
PRESS RELEASE: Renowned student achievement expert joins School Finance Research Collaborative
Posted on: August 23, 2017
Dr. Randall Eberts, Upjohn Institute for Employment Research president, brings expertise in academic success research to school funding group KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Dr. Randall Eberts, President of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and a pioneer in student achievement analysis, has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative, the Collaborative announced today. “I look forward to lending my experience and expertise in securing the best, most comprehensive data on student achievement to the School Finance Research Collaborative,” Eberts said. “Over the past several years, it has become evident that the way we fund Michigan’s public schools is obsolete, and we...
PRESS RELEASE: Renowned advocate for Detroit children joins School Finance Research Collaborative
Posted on: August 7, 2017
Skillman Foundation CEO Tonya Allen brings experience serving city’s underserved students in taking a fresh look at public school funding DETROIT, Mich. – Tonya Allen, President and CEO of the Skillman Foundation and a recognized tireless advocate for Detroit and the city’s undeserved children, has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative, the Collaborative announced today. “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to bring the voice of Detroit’s children, particularly those facing economic, social and other hardships, to the School Finance Research Collaborative as we take a fresh look at how we fund Michigan’s public schools,” Allen said. “It’s...
PRESS RELEASE: Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce official, child advocate joins school funding group committee
Posted on: May 22, 2017
Flint native Heather Morolla Kale brings business, child advocacy background to the School Finance Research Collaborative FLINT, Mich. – Heather Morolla Kale, a Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce official and longtime advocate for Genesee County children and families, has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative Advisory Committee, the Collaborative announced today. “Working with Flint’s most vulnerable young people, I’ve seen firsthand how a high-quality public school education makes all the difference in helping students of all backgrounds and challenges achieve and succeed,” said Kale, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Member Services, and a Flint native....
PRESS RELEASE: National education experts selected to reexamine how Michigan’s public schools are funded
Posted on: May 1, 2017
Two nationally renowned firms join forces to take a fresh look at how we fund our schools to serve all students LANSING, Mich. – Two nationally renowned firms have been selected to conduct a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive school funding study in Michigan that will examine how our state’s public schools are financed, the School Finance Research Collaborative announced today. “We look forward to taking a fresh look at how Michigan funds its public schools so that all students, no matter their circumstances or challenges, can achieve and succeed in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Bob Palaich of Augenblick, Palaich and Associates...
PRESS RELEASE: National charter schools and school funding expert joins School Finance Research Collaborative
Posted on: April 25, 2017
Michigan native Todd Ziebarth is a pioneer in improving state charter school laws across the country LANSING, Mich. – A national charter schools advocate and school funding research expert has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative, officials announced today. “I am honored to lend my expertise and experience to the School Finance Research Collaborative,” said Todd Ziebarth, Senior Vice President for State Advocacy and Support for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and an Ann Arbor resident. “The Collaborative’s adequacy study will be the first to truly explore the unique challenges charter schools face in providing a top-notch public...
PRESS RELEASE: Charter school advocate joins School Finance Research Collaborative
Posted on: March 13, 2017
Mary Kay Shields, former charter school advisor to Gov. John Engler, brings school finance and policy expertise to Collaborative LANSING, Mich. – Mary Kay Shields, a longtime charter school advisor and school finance and policy expert, has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative. Shields brings decades of charter school leadership to the Collaborative, a broad-based group of business and education experts who agree it’s time to change the way Michigan’s schools are funded. “At the time of passage, Proposal A was a necessary change to school finance. However, after over 25 years, it is time to reexamine how the...
PRESS RELEASE: 21st Century Education Commission Report highlights need to reexamine school funding
Posted on: March 10, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – The following statement was issued by Oakland Schools Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, a School Finance Research Collaborative member, following the Friday, March 10, 2017 release of the 21st Century Education Commission Report. “The 21st Century Education Commission Report validates the need to reexamine our approach to school funding so that all students, regardless of their income, geography or other circumstances, can achieve and succeed,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, Oakland Schools superintendent and School Finance Research Collaborative member. “The School Finance Research Collaborative applauds this report’s call for a fresh look at and new research on how we fund...
PRESS RELEASE: Government finance turnaround expert joins School Finance Research Collaborative Advisory Committee
Posted on: March 8, 2017
Jessica Thomas, who is aiding Royal Oak Charter Township’s financial recovery, has been recognized as one of Oakland County’s “40 Under 40” LANSING, Mich. — Jessica Thomas, a local government turnaround expert who is currently Consent Agreement Consultant for Royal Oak Charter Township, has joined the School Finance Research Collaborative Advisory Committee. In this role, Thomas will share her financial expertise with the Collaborative, a broad-based group of business and education experts who agree it’s time to change the way Michigan’s schools are funded. “It’s high time we reexamine our approach to how Michigan’s schools are funded to prepare all...
PRESS RELEASE: Flat test scores highlight urgent need for research on school financing
Posted on: March 8, 2017
The latest national comparison of school test scores could reveal challenges with the way we fund schools in Michigan LANSING, Mich. — Flat test scores by Michigan students on a national test highlight the pressing need for a new, comprehensive look at how we fund Michigan’s public schools so all students can achieve and succeed, regardless of their circumstances, said a broad-based group of Michigan business and education experts. The Detroit News reported on Feb. 20 that Michigan students had flat scores on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP). According to the article, students are performing about as well...
ANNOUNCEMENT: Adequacy study RFP issued
Posted on: February 14, 2017
A Request for Proposal has been issued by the Oakland Schools Education Foundation and is titled “Determining the Cost for Funding Educational Achievement for all Michigan Students (PK-12)." This RFP is posted at http://www.mitn.info and www.buy4michigan.com.
PRESS RELEASE: Michigan businesses, education experts launch effort to reexamine K-12 school funding
Posted on: January 10, 2017
School Finance Research Collaborative to analyze adequacy of school funding, make policy recommendations Lansing, MICH. — Top business and education experts today launched a comprehensive effort to reexamine how Michigan’s schools are funded. The School Finance Research Collaborative is bringing together top industry experts to reexamine the state’s approach to funding K-12 schools to ensure all students are fully prepared for jobs and success, from the inner cities to the suburbs, to rural areas and the U.P. (more…)
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May 24, 2019 | MLive
Inadequate funding – even in affluent districts – still short-changes students
April 26, 2019 | School News Network
Michigan must fix school funding model for students to shine
April 22, 2019 | Bridge Magazine
Michigan’s school funding approach needs a facelift
April 19, 2019 | Grand Rapids Business Journal
Michigan schools need a fairer funding model for all students
April 11, 2019 | Bridge Magazine
Letter to the Editor: Time to fix school funding method
March 17, 2019 | Crain's Detroit Business
Groups Speak Out in Support of Gov. Whitmer’s Education Budget
March 8, 2019 | Fox 47 News
Chippewa Valley school board resolves to support school finance study
March 6, 2019 | Macomb Daily
New school funding approach needed to prepare students for jobs
March 6, 2019 | Port Huron Times Herald
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to propose $507 million for classroom spending
March 4, 2019 | WLNS
Education funding in Michigan falls short for these students
February 14, 2019 | Detroit Free Press
It’s easy to criticize public schools, but without proper funding, there’s only so much they can do
January 27, 2019 | Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Study: Michigan per-pupil spending has dropped over time
January 25, 2019 | The Monroe News
MSU report endorses findings of School Finance Research Collaborative study
January 24, 2019 | Fox 47 News
Collaborative Effort to Develop New School Funding Approaches
January 9, 2019 | Fox 47 News
Letter: Fairer school funding approach needed
January 6, 2019 | Crain's Detroit Business
School finance builds a road map to successful futures
November 15, 2018 | Hometown Life
Column: Time to fix Michigan’s broken school funding system
September 20, 2018 | Oakland Press
Poll finds most Michigan residents want changes to school funding
August 17, 2018 | Education Dive
Poll: Likely Michigan voters support giving schools more of this
August 15, 2018 | Detroit Free Press
Poll: Most residents want Michigan to change the way it funds schools
August 15, 2018 | Chalkbeat
New statewide poll shows public support for reforming Michigan’s school finance system
August 14, 2018 | Fox 47
Opinion: School library media specialists critical to student achievement
August 2, 2018 | Detroit News
Ron Koehler: When it comes to education, one size doesn’t fit all
June 14, 2018 | Holland Sentinel
Michigan schools skimp on guidance counselors as demand for services soars
April 12, 2018 | Detroit Free Press
CV school board supports school finance research collaborative
March 5, 2018 | Macomb Daily
Two studies say Michigan is underfunding public education
March 4, 2018 | The Herald-Palladium
Education funding targeting vulnerable students rather than whole districts deserves discussion
February 9, 2018 | Grand Rapids Business Journal
Study finds Michigan schools underfunded
February 9, 2018 | Grand Rapids Business Journal
Ron Wilson: If we fund education, then kids will succeed
February 4, 2018 | Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Statewide study shows true cost of educating a child
January 25, 2018 | School News Network
Report Says State Needs To Spend More Per-Student On Education
January 18, 2018 | WMUK Radio
New report highlights need to transform Michigan’s school funding system, educators argue
January 18, 2018 | MLive
Study finds it cost $9,590 per year to educate a child; few districts are hitting it
January 18, 2018 | Macomb Daily
Study: Overhaul is needed of how Michigan funds schools
January 18, 2018 | Associated Press
Report says Michigan should spend at least $9,550 per K-12 student
January 18, 2018 | Michigan Radio
Report: Fund charter schools equally, boost funding for all Michigan schools
January 17, 2018 | Detroit Free Press
Study: Overhaul Is Needed of How Michigan Funds Schools
January 17, 2018 | U.S. News & World Report
Sweeping study proposes major changes to the way schools are funded in Michigan
January 17, 2018 | Chalkbeat
New study will look at costs of educating Michigan children
January 2, 2018 | Michigan Radio
Op-Ed: Special education funding is unequal
December 27, 2017 | Traverse City Record-Eagle
Mid-Michigan educators support evaluation of student funding
December 16, 2017 | Morning Sun
Educators agree student funding in Michigan is broken. This group hopes their research will change that.
December 10, 2017 | Chalkbeat
Equitable funding tops Grand Rapids School Board legislative wish list
December 6, 2017 | MLive
How much does it cost to educate a student? Some educators say it’s time to revisit school funding
December 1, 2017 | Oakland Press
Cost of education: Independent group studies state school financing
November 24, 2017 | The Daily Mining Gazette
Study: Michigan special education is underfunded by $700M
November 22, 2017 | Detroit Free Press
New Map: School Funding Inequality, Often Measured By State, Is Far Worse Nationally Than You Think
October 30, 2017 | The 74 Million
Letter: There’s no doubt Michigan has education crisis
September 28, 2017 | Detroit News
Another study aims to figure out how much it costs to educate a child in Michigan
May 29, 2017 | Michigan Radio
Study first step in developing right funding strategy for Michigan schools
May 25, 2017 | Detroit Free Press
Time for a fresh look at how we fund our public schools
April 23, 2017 | Bridge Magazine
What does it really cost to educate students? Let’s take another stab at figuring it out.
January 24, 2017 | Bridge Magazine
Bipartisan group looks to fix Michigan’s ‘broken’ school funding system
January 11, 2017 | MLive
Looking To Improve Funding For Michigan Schools
January 10, 2017 | WILX Channel 10 Lansing
Michigan businesses, education experts to launch effort to reexamine K-12 school funding
January 10, 2017 | Macomb Daily
Group plans new study of Michigan K-12 funding system
January 10, 2017 | AP / WZZM Channel 13
Business, education leaders plan study of Michigan K-12 funding system
January 10, 2017 | Crain's Detroit Business
Local superintendents share thoughts on major MSU school finance study
July 31, 2016 | Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Study a step to getting Michigan school funding right
July 21, 2016 | Detroit Free Press
New report suggests Michigan’s students are getting short changed in school funding
June 28, 2016 | WXYZ Channel 7 Detroit