LANSING – In order to ensure that rural schools in the Upper Peninsula have the resources they need for their students to receive the best education possible, State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) today unveiled a new plan to give the state's lowest-funded schools more money to hire additional teachers, reduce class sizes and distribute necessary resources for our schools.
"Education is the great equalizer for our urban and rural areas," Lahti said. "A student living in Hancock should have the same opportunities and access to resources as a student living in Royal Oak. Everyone deserves equal access, and this legislation will level the playing field."
Under the plan, funding would be provided tonarrow the gap between the lowest- and highest-funded school districts. The disbursement amount would vary based on how much each district currently receives, gradually bringing the lowest district payments in line with Michigan's higher-funded districts.At least $20 million would be available for equity payments through the program in year one.
Michigan's 774 school districts receive revenue through the Michigan School Aid Fund (SAF). Proposal A, of 1994, made a promise to eliminate the gap between the highest- and lowest-funded districts. However, the provision of Proposal A to ensure equity was stopped in 1999 before it reached its intended goal. As a result, large per-student funding differentials still exist through the current SAF distribution formula. Due to these large disparities, certain schools have the resources for top-notch instruction and smaller class sizes while other districts are struggling to provide children essential educational tools.
"This plan will open the doors of opportunity for all of our children, preparing them for competition in the 21st century global economy," Lahti said. "Our students and teachers shouldn't struggle to do more with less. This plan will help Michigan build a workforce that is second to none."