August 22, 2025
Dear Community,
As we begin the 2025-26 school year, we want to update you on an important issue that could impact our students and schools:
State law mandates that lawmakers approve a K-12 public school funding budget by July 1 each year.
Having a budget in place is important, so that schools can plan and operate with certainty.
Since the legal deadline has passed–without elected officials reaching an agreement–there is a risk of a state government shutdown, which could delay funding that schools depend on to operate.
A reason for the deadlock appears to be proposals to redirect money from the School Aid Fund – the fund voters were promised would be dedicated to K-12 education – to other priorities, including road repairs. Many believe this violates the original intent of the system voters approved to provide fair funding for public schools. If lawmakers do not pass a budget, districts will miss out on their first scheduled state aid payment in October. For our schools, that payment is a major part of the resources we rely on to:
• Compensate staff who work directly with students.
• Maintain class sizes and student support services.
• Maintain bus operations and keep classrooms supplied.
• Fund academic programs, arts, athletics, and student activities.
We cannot operate indefinitely without these resources. The solution is simple: lawmakers should approve a K-12 budget that safeguards School Aid Fund dollars for their original purpose – educating our children. Please join us in urging our elected officials to reach a quick agreement and keep K-12 funding secure. Our students deserve a stable, fully funded school year.
Respectfully,
Dave Cox-WMISD
Jennifer Brown- Cadillac Area Public Schools
Tim Hejnal- Lake City Area Public Schools
Danyel Prielipp- Marion Public Schools
Michelle Gill- Pine River Area Public Schools
Scott Akom-McBain Rural Agricultural Schools
Len Morrow- Manton Consolidated Schools
Jack Ledford-Mesick Consolidated Schools
Mary Moorman- Highpoint Virtual Academy