Dear Neighbor,
As summer ends and the weather cools, we begin thinking about fall and all it has to offer us. One of the biggest fall highlights is kids going back to school. We have made historic funding increases for our students, teachers, faculty and school buildings to help improve learning and educational progress throughout the state. I hope you can take advantage of some of the local programs below to get you and your kids geared up for a new school year.
There are various resources in our area that you and your student(s) may be able to take advantage of. United Way is a great public resource for finding services and support in your area. You can reach them by calling 211 or by visiting their website. With kids going back to school and high household costs, United Way can help point you in the direction of services and support.
Since taking office, the Legislature has done a lot to help promote learning and academic growth. My colleagues and I fought for and passed the largest education budget in the state’s history. It includes a 5% increase in per-pupil funding from $9,150 per student to $9,608. We were also able to secure $160 million for free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million pre-K–12 students in public schools. Below are estimates of how much additional funding local school districts can expect from this historic budget for the upcoming school year:
Detroit Public Schools: $52.9 million increase
Hazel Park School District: $3 million increase
Highland Park Public School Academy System: $283,000 increase
Lamphere Schools: $2 million increase
Madison Public Schools: $787,000 increase
Have a great school year!
Yours in Service,
Representative Mike McFall, HD-8