ESCANABA — School superintendents in Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft counties are watching the Michigan Legislature closely after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed the initial executive budget of $61.9 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Whitmer’s budget focuses on education, environment, and health care, and boasts an increase in funding to K-12 schools. According to the state budget office, the increase of 4.1% is the highest increase in 19 years.

“We hope the Governor and the Legislature will work closely to negotiate a final budget that preserves, or expands much needed funding increases that will directly benefit the children in our community,” said Escanaba Superintendent Coby Fletcher.

Fletcher, like other superintendents, appreciate the per pupil increase, increased funding for at-risk students and students served through special education, and literacy support, but would like additional funds for transportation.

“I feel the Governor’s proposal overall is a positive for K-12 schools,” said Mid Peninsula’s Superintendent Eric VanDamme. “One area I feel could be addressed is transportation dollars for Upper Peninsula schools, versus large districts downstate. We incur a much higher cost per pupil than those downstate districts, and with limited resources those transportation dollars come out of precious classroom money.”

The budget includes $250 per teacher reimbursement for classroom expenses.

“I found the additional revenue for reimbursing teachers when they spend their own money on classroom supplies a step in the right direction,” said Bark River-Harris’ Superintendent Jason Lockwood. “Even though the dollar amount per teacher doesn’t add up to much, in my opinion, it sends a positive message about the value our teachers have and how incredibly important they are to the success of the state.”

In Whitmer’s budget, she includes $1.5 million to support a program that enables districts to develop and hire teachers from their student body, and $40 million in grants to aid districts in building improvements.

“We dive deeply into the budget lines to try to get a handle on what types of programming and outcomes are being supported in the executive budget,” said Gladstone/Rapid River’s Superintendent Jay Kulbertis. “By spending time in interpreting and analyzing the budget, we can get a sense of the priorities that the governor has for public education.”

To Kulbertis, it is just as important to notice the maintained funding level for Career and Technical Education, increased preschool funding, and a budget including professional development.

Manistique’s Superintendent Howard Parmentier thinks the budget is at a good starting point.

“The minimum funding allowance will increase to $8,336, and $8,679 for districts at the maximum. This is a $150 to $225 per pupil increase,” said Parmentier. “I am pleased that the Governor’s budget is increasing funding. However, with that being said, there is still much to do to get us to where we need to be.”

Kulbertis said, looking at the numbers alone from the foundation allowance could lead many to be quite satisfied with the proposed per pupil increase, and notes the formula changed from what has been used before.

“Looking at the context of the range sheds light on the movement to a 1.5X formula, instead of the 2X formula that has been used for many years …,” said Kulbertis.

Over all, the reaction to Whitmer’s budget proposal is optimistically viewed by area superintendents.

“News of a possible increase in school funding is encouraging. The proposed increase would have a positive impact on our rural school district,” said North Central Superintendent Jennifer Eichmeier. “Though at this time, it’s still a proposal and not a guarantee.”