LANSING, Mich. (April 16, 2024) — Today, Chair Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and the Senate Pre-K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee offered another record-setting recommendation for the 2025 Fiscal Year School Aid budget. The proposal builds on last year’s passage of a historic School Aid Budget and now heads to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Among other things, Camilleri’s budget recommendation includes a 3.1% increase in per-pupil funding, bringing the proposed foundation allowance to $9,910 per pupil — the highest level in state history. For Fiscal Year 2024, the per-pupil allowance was $9,608. The 2025 budget recommendation would also mark another major increase in funding for at-risk students, proposing to invest an additional $122.6 million in the Michigan students who need it most. Additionally, it adds more flexibility for schools to use up to 60% of funds for teacher salaries to ensure educators are being fairly compensated in districts with higher amounts of at-risk students.
“Last year we took a historic step to pass the most progressive education budget our state had ever seen. I am proud to offer this recommendation for 2025 that will go even further toward fulfilling our commitment to providing all Michigan students with an excellent education,” Camilleri said. “As a former teacher, I recognize the importance of crafting a state budget that puts educators and students at the forefront, one that includes their input gained through dialogue, and ultimately one that ensures all Michigan students have the support they need to learn and grow.”
Additionally, the budget doubles the allowance for English-Language Learners following a momentous increase for 2024. It also eliminates cumbersome applications for funding and reimagines the MI Kids Back on Track Program to include only the highest quality, high impact forms of tutoring to help fill in the gaps for Michigan students and ensure none are left behind.
The ’25 School Aid budget proposal also invests approximately $75 million to continue the student-loan stipend program for Michigan teachers that Sen. Camilleri helped launch last year. The proposed budget also provides $26 million for a teacher leadership development pilot program that facilitates career progression of highly accomplished teachers who are ready to take on greater leadership opportunities, while remaining in the classroom.
“Supporting our teachers and retaining talented educators takes a multifaceted approach to compensate them appropriately, reduce their debt, and provide career advancement opportunities that keep them in the classroom,” Camilleri said. “Teachers play such a crucial role with impacts that reach far beyond the books and the classroom. Our kids deserve the best teachers, which is why we are continuing to push the best policies for them.”
As the budget process progresses, Sen. Camilleri will continue to fight for increased and more equitable funding, innovative programs and support for teachers throughout the budget process.
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