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Listen Tuesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FMAccording to the Kids Count report of April 2018, 56% of third graders in Michigan are not proficient in English Language Arts. At the same time, some new public school teachers in Michigan are leaving the classroom because they do not earn enough money for a decent living. Virtual and charter schools are on the rise in Michigan. And in some communities there are breakthroughs in raising better readers.Covering education in Michigan is complex, but WKAR is committed to reporting on the problems, searching for solutions, and holding leaders accountable.Listen for Making The Grade in Michigan with WKAR education reporter Kevin Lavery every Tuesday at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FM's Morning Edition.

MI School Budget Plan Clears Senate Subcommittee

Michigan Capitol Building
w.r. richards
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WKAR-MSU
A school budget plan has passed a Michigan Senate subcommittee.

A school budget plan for the 2020 fiscal year is moving through the Michigan Senate. 

 

On Thursday, the Senate K-12 and Education Appropriations Subcommittee approved a package that increases spending by nearly $400 million. 

Committee chair Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) says GOP lawmakers are crafting the budget on current state revenues, versus one that’s based on a future tax increase.  He says the plan offers more funding for all school districts.

“I think we’ve got a very good first product,” Schmidt says.  “The key being, large foundation increases…both for districts that are at the lowest end-funded and at higher ended-funded, they’re getting more money.  That’s the biggest takeaway.”

Schmidt says this education budget represents the largest school foundation increase since 2002.  It now goes to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

 

 

 

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
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