Great Lakes Wire

The bipartisan education budget, recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, marks the biggest per-student investment in Michigan history.

The budget earmarks half a billion dollars for school infrastructure, school safety enhancements, as well as recruiting efforts and mental health assets, according to a July 14 press release.

“Every kid in every district deserves to feel safe and supported in school, and I am proud today to sign a historic, bipartisan education budget that will make game-changing investments to improve every student’s in-class experience,” Whitmer said in the release. “The budget makes the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history to help schools buy new textbooks, offer more personalized instruction, and bolster AP (Advanced Placement) and honors classes. It also bolsters resources for special education, at-risk funding, and career and technical education while expanding slots in free after-school and preschool programs.”

Whitmer added that the budget was designed to improve the campus experience of all parties involved in the education system.

"Gov. Whitmer has worked effectively with the legislature and came through for students and educators, this time with a strong budget that represents the largest per-pupil investment in our state’s history,” said David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan. “The increase in support for at-risk and special education students is critical, as it will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success. The move to further invest in both career and technical education and colleges and universities also reaffirms the governor’s commitment to strengthening our economy and ensuring Michigan students have options for their future.”

Every student will receive $9,150 in funding, along with $214 for mental health resources, according to the release. Grants will also be provided to help 200,000 special education and 710,000 at-risk students. The funds will provide 1,300 additional free preschool slots in the Great Start Readiness Program and school infrastructure with $250 million.