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 backs of Michigan students, which will further hamper their ability to achieve, succeed and compete in the 21st century economy.”
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 the way Michigan’s schools are funded.
In 2018, the Collaborative completed Michigan’s first comprehensive school adequacy study that determined the true cost of educating all students, regardless of their circumstances. The final Collaborative report provides a base cost for student achievement in Michigan, with additional funding considerations for special education, English Language Learners, Career and Technical Education programs and students living in poverty.
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