LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a supplemental spending bill that releases $4.4 billion in federal coronavirus rescue funding designated for K-12 schools.
It is a significant influx of aid, particularly to traditional districts and charter schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families.
Back in May, the state’s recovery council released a blueprint for schools to help districts make individualized recovery plans. That blueprint focuses on a few key areas:
- Wellness
- Academics
- School culture and climate
- Family and community engagement
- Post-secondary education
Ahead of signing the bill, the governor emphasized the importance of full community involvement in the creation of those plans.
“Educators, tell your story and speak out about what your students need," Gov. Whitmer said. "Parents, make sure your voice is in the conversation and ask your school leaders how they’re planning for the recovery that is multi-year, evidence based and equity driven.”
The money will be distributed using the states Title 1 Part A designation, which the governor says will give more money to the districts serving students with the highest needs, though she added every school will benefit from the funds.
Legislation the Democratic governor will sign next week will allot $363 million in U.S. COVID-19 funds to ensure districts with more middle-class or wealthy kids receive at least $1,093 more per student regardless of a federal formula.
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