The budget approved last month keeps per-pupil funding flat compared to the current fiscal year. Instead, the spending plan lets districts lower their payments into the employee retirement system, allowing schools to use those savings on students and staff.
But educators say they’re disappointed that the budget reduces the dollars available for mental health and school safety programs.
Blake Mazurek is chief of staff for the Michigan Education Association.
“we're always seeking to help secure that kind of funding that will improve and make Michigan's schools the top in the nation. We have a plan to get there. It's just we need resources.”
Mazurek says the union is asking state lawmakers to approve a supplemental budget this fall to restore funding for school safety and mental health.
Michigan educators ask legislature to restore mental health, school safety funds
