Record funding, literacy investments, new policies will help students succeed

As students across Jackson and Washtenaw counties return to the classroom, State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz said the new state budget and a new statewide cell phone law will give schools additional resources and tools to help students learn and succeed.

The new state budget increases the base per-pupil funding by $250 per student, bringing it to a record-high $10,300 per student while prioritizing resources for students and teachers in the classroom.

“We want every child to have access to a great education, and every teacher to have the support they need to help students succeed,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “This budget delivers record classroom funding while making major investments in literacy and academic support. These resources will help schools focus on what matters most: helping students build strong skills, reach their full potential, and prepare for successful futures.”

The increase in the foundation allowance will provide additional resources for school districts throughout Jackson and Washtenaw counties, including:

• Chelsea School District: $1.43 million
• da Vinci Schools: $419,000
• East Jackson Community Schools: $678,000
• Grass Lake Community Schools: $979,000
• Jackson Public Schools: $4.18 million
• Michigan Center School District: $1.24 million
• Northwest Community Schools: $2.78 million
• Paragon Charter Academy: $428,000
• Vandercook Lake Public Schools: $724,000
• Western School District: $1.95 million

In addition to increased classroom funding, the budget makes historic investments in literacy initiatives designed to improve reading outcomes for students across Michigan.

Investments target literacy at multiple levels through early starts, proven methods, and extra help for students who need additional support. The budget continues free Pre-K through the Great Start Readiness Program, saving families roughly $14,000 per year, and includes $30 million to expand and support the early educator workforce.

The budget also dedicates more than $123 million to get teachers the science of reading training they have been asking for, including $75 million so every reading teacher can complete the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) program. Additional investments increase access to literacy coaches, support ongoing professional development for educators, encourage districts to adopt research-based reading curriculum, and expand statewide literacy research and evaluation efforts.

Schmaltz said the literacy investments build on efforts to ensure students receive proven, evidence-based instruction and additional support when needed. The budget also includes $50 million for high-impact tutoring, $135 million for before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs, and specialized funding to support students with dyslexia, including Orton-Gillingham teacher training.

“Reading is the foundation for success in every other subject,” Schmaltz said. “When students become strong readers, they gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed throughout school and beyond. These investments will help make sure educators have proven tools in the classroom and students receive the support they need to reach their full potential.”

The budget also continues universal free breakfast and lunch for all students, saving many Michigan families around $1,000 per child each year.

As students return to school this fall, they will also be entering classrooms under a new statewide cell phone policy. This school year marks the first year of implementation for bipartisan legislation requiring every school district in Michigan to establish policies restricting student cell phone use during instructional time.

While many districts already have local policies in place, the new law ensures that students statewide are not using cell phones during classroom instruction. Individual districts retain flexibility to determine whether cell phones may be used during passing periods, lunch, or other non-instructional times.

“Technology can be a valuable tool, but it should not interfere with learning,” Schmaltz said. “Students learn best when they are engaged in the classroom, participating in discussions, and focused on their teachers and classmates. This law helps create an environment where educators can teach and students can learn without constant distractions.”