June 14, 2010
The Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor of Michigan
PO Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
Re: Protect Michigan School Funding
Dear Governor Granholm:
I am writing to ask that you oppose any budget that diverts School Aid Fund (SAF) dollars away from Michigan's K-12 public schools.
Escanaba Area Public Schools, and other schools in Michigan have progressive strategic plans in place to further student achievement to EXCEED state and national standards. This plan was put together by a representative group of parents, community and business leaders, as well as educational staff. The District embraces high standards, and innovation, and we cannot make these impressive goals without reliable and consistent support of our state.
Despite what you may have heard, Michigan's schools do not have any surplus revenue. The past few years have been devastating for schools; massive cuts, record layoffs and school closures have been commonplace. In the past year, school funding has been slashed $165 per pupil. The "extra revenue" projected as part of the most recent fiscal estimate is not even enough to restore that cut, let alone cover the $150 per pupil cost of the retirement rate increase or the over 20% health care cost increase coming next year. Even with an improved economic forecast, schools will still be forced to lay off staff and cut programs.
The "funding cliff" we will all experience with the loss of ARRA funds in the years to come will surely be the next hurdle K-12 schools will face. I am hoping that your own children and/or grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same or BETTER benefits of public education you may have enjoyed when you were a child. We need to equip our children for a future we cannot even envision yet. Will our state legislators be courageous in standing firm for Michigan's students?
In Escanaba, I can tell you that the shaky fiscal ground on which we are operating our school system, has not only created financial worries, but it has also been demoralizing for our community as a whole. In Escanaba, school business is intertwined with local community agencies, businesses, and families. When our District spends energies on "cutting", rather than "building"--less attention can be spent on the most important core of our mission: high standards, curriculum, and instruction for students.
If Michigan is to be successful as a state, the schools must be stellar. The investment of K-12 education needs to be solid in order to further the economic/business development in our cities and regions. It is imperative for our state legislators to give Districts the revenue needed to operate these programs.
The funding structure for schools, that provides dollars for the School Aid Fund needs to be fixed. However the current funding structure was designed to garner dollars for K-12 education, and surprisingly you know that there is a surplus in the State School Aid Fund. At the local level, we have already cut over the years--and so we DO have needs--right now! Our children are depending upon you to make the right decision. Please oppose any budget that diverts School Aid Fund dollars away from Michigan's K-12 public schools. Michigan's students deserve better than to have their futures stolen.
Sincerely,
Michele A. Burley, Superintendent
(906) 786-5411