The Michigan Education Association, Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, AFT Michigan, Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association, Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education, School Education Advocates of West Michigan, K-12 Alliance of Michigan, School Equity, Oakland Schools, Wayne RESA, Macomb ISD, Calhoun ISD and Genesse ISD issued this statement today regarding the delayed School Aid budget:

“As the first week of June wraps up, school districts across Michigan still do not have the funding numbers they need to build their budgets. The fiscal year for school districts ends on June 30, and school boards are meeting over the next couple weeks to finalize their 2025-2026 budgets. However, they are being forced to do so without a clear indication from the state on what the per-pupil foundation allowance may be nor funding for our most vulnerable students, such as those who are economically disadvantaged, receive special education services or are English language learners. In addition, districts lack clarity around the many other programs that support student success.

We are weeks away from the start of the school fiscal year. The House has not released a full budget proposal. This major delay leaves little time for finalization before the statutory deadline. State law requires the entire state budget be presented to the Governor by July 1, yet this deadline appears to be treated more as a suggestion than a requirement. It’s past time for the Legislature to meet its obligation and provide districts the certainty they need. As districts work to plan for the upcoming school year, this delay complicates their ability to prepare for opening their doors in the fall. Uncertainty about funding levels leaves critical questions about staffing, programming, reading and tutoring supports, and basic student services unresolved.

We call on the House to release its spending plan and for lawmakers to come together and negotiate the School Aid Fund budget quickly. Getting the budget to the Governor is essential so our districts can confidently plan and provide the funding and support our students and educators need for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.”