LANSING — State Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) today announced that Lenawee County's public schools will receive a $4.5 million dollar funding increase for the 2006-2007 school year. The increase, contained in the FY 06-07 budget passed by the Michigan House today, includes an increase of $233 in the per pupil foundation allowance for eleven Lenawee County schools as well as additional money to help schools boost middle school math and science performance and fight declining enrollment.
"This is a victory for our children and for Michigan's future," Representative Spade said. "Not only will this help our children get the high-quality education they'll need to compete for the good-paying jobs of the future, but a well-trained workforce will entice businesses to set up shop in Michigan. I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for coming together to help move Michigan in the right direction."
Under the school budget approved today:
• All schools will receive $210 more in per-pupil funding.
• Eleven Lenawee County schools will receive an additional $23 per-pupil equity payment earmarked for those districts that receive less than $7,360 per student.
• All middle schools will receive an additional $54 per pupil to bolster math and science programs.
• Schools with declining enrollment will receive additional money from a special fund to combat their falling numbers.
Based on estimated enrollment figures, Lenawee County will see a $4.1 million increase from additional per-pupil foundation allowance money alone. Middle schools will receive another $207,000 for improving math and science programs and an additional $146,000 will be made available to help fight declining enrollment in Lenawee's school systems.(1)
"Lenawee County's schools have worked hard to balance budgets while still providing our students with a quality education," Rep. Spade said. "While this will not solve all of the financial challenges they face, these increases will certainly help."
1) House and Senate Fiscal Agency joint report, "Estimated Impact of K-12 Proposals (Foundation, Equity, MS Math, and Declining Enrollment) by District. Fiscal