Lisa Freiberger advocates for equitable state funding for Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College's interim president, Lisa Freiberger, made a compelling case for equity in state funding during a recent government meeting, highlighting significant disparities in financial support for community colleges across Michigan. Freiberger emphasized that the current funding formula is inequitable, with some colleges receiving as much as $9,433 per student while others, like Grand Rapids, receive only $2,723.

Freiberger pointed out that the funding system, which has been in place since 2016, perpetuates these inequalities by allocating new operational dollars based on previous year funding. This means that colleges with lower funding continue to lag behind, compounding the issue each year. "We are not advocating to pull money from any community colleges," she clarified, stressing the need for a solution that does not disadvantage any institution.

To address this, Freiberger proposed the establishment of a funding floor, ensuring that no community college falls below a certain level of state support. This approach, she noted, has been successfully implemented for four-year institutions and could help bridge the funding gap for community colleges.

Freiberger's call to action underscores the urgent need for reform in the funding structure, as community colleges play a crucial role in education and workforce development in Michigan. The proposed changes could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources, benefiting students and communities statewide.