Michigan Department of Education presents $164M budget focused on K-12 support and libraries

The Michigan Legislature convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss appropriations related to school aid and the Department of Education (MDE). The meeting focused on the MDE budget, which totals approximately $164.98 million for the fiscal year, with nearly half of this funding coming from federal sources.

The MDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education mandates, including K-12 instructional programs, teacher certification, and educational assessments. The budget breakdown reveals that 39% is derived from the state general fund, while 6% comes from state restricted revenue, and 5% from private and local funding.

A significant point of discussion was the historical context of the budget, noting a decline from previous years due to the transfer of early childhood education funding to a different department. The largest portion of the budget, approximately $30.9 million or 19%, is allocated to educational supports and educator excellence, which includes oversight of federal education acts and teacher development programs.

Other key allocations include $20.1 million for services to students who are deaf or blind, $16.3 million for school support services, and $14.9 million for assessment and accountability. The budget also includes new investments aimed at enhancing K-12 education, such as funding for a summer food benefit program and mental health initiatives.

Library funding was another critical topic, with a historical goal of funding libraries at 50 cents per capita, which was achieved for the first time in fiscal year 2022. The current funding level stands at 54 cents per capita, although state funding constitutes only about 3% of total public library operating revenue.

The meeting concluded with a review of the budget's implications for educational services and support across Michigan, emphasizing the need for continued investment in both K-12 education and library services to meet the needs of students and communities.