Governor Whitmer’s Budget Makes Big Investment in Michigan Schools

Last month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer laid out a spending plan that is focused on helping schools overcome pandemic struggles, addresses teacher shortages that have crippled schools and helping retain and recruit school staff.

As part of the 2022-23 state budget, Whitmer is calling for $18.4 billion in education spending, the biggest state education funding increase in more than 20 years. Under Whitmer’s plan:

  • $72.6 million would be allocated for pre-K education programs, including
    • $56 million for the Great Start Readiness Program, which provides free preschool for income-eligible four-year old’s.
    • Increase the full-day allocation from $8,700 to $9,135 per student.
    • Provide start-up funds for new programs and classrooms.
  • $361 million for student mental health to ensure students with mental health needs can be identified and provided with the right support.
  • $94.4 million for literacy-related programs and activities in Detroit Public Schools.
  • $50 million for before and after school programs to help students with unfinished learning needs, provide a safe place outside of school hours, and provide the extra-curricular activities that foster academic success.
  • $1.6 billion for educator retention programs that make sure educators have the supports they need and the recognition they deserve for the work they do, including:
    • $1.5 billion for payments to eligible teachers, administrators, and support staff who continue working in their school district over the next four years.
    • $50 million annually for teacher onboarding and mentoring programs.
    • $75 million for innovative approaches to addressing regional educator retention needs.
    • $600 million for educator recruitment programs to ensure the teacher talent pipeline continues to provide the education system with the best possible educators.
      • Programs funded include scholarships for future educators, stipends for student teachers, training opportunities to create and improve school leaders, and expanded programs in school districts to recruit, train, and retain teachers from their communities.

The budget also includes increased funding for early identification and intervention services for younger children through the Early On Program as well as through home visitation and early childhood collaborative efforts.

More details on Governor Whitmer’s education investment can be found here.

Posted on February 28th, 2022 | View All Posts