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State officials: Michigan school funding still billions short despite recent increases
Summary
Deputy Superintendent Diane Golczynski and Spencer Simmons of MDE told the board the state has increased education funding in recent years but remains underfunded by billions when compared with School Finance Research Collaborative (SFRC) benchmarks, especially for students in poverty, English learners, special education and capital needs.
State Department of Education officials told the State Board on Jan. 14 that Michigan’s recent education funding gains do not yet meet the levels recommended by the School Finance Research Collaborative (SFRC) and other studies, leaving multi‑billion‑dollar gaps for high‑need students and capital costs.
Deputy Superintendent Diane Golczynski and Spencer Simmons, director of the Office of Financial Management, updated board members on progress toward Goal 8 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: providing adequate and equitable school funding. They said the state foundation allowance (state plus local) has increased in recent years and that specific increases were made to transportation, at‑risk (Section 31a), English learner funding and other lines in the FY 2025 budget.
But the presenters said SFRC’s recommendations use a broader base (local, state and federal) and…
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