In recent years, Michigan's educators have advocated the need for a "School Finance and Reform Study." Why would such a study be necessary?
Realistically, such a study would provide information pointing to a prudent school financial structure and answer many questions about school funding mechanisms. Essentially, what does it actually cost to educate our Michigan students and how should this cost be funded?
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC), a well respected non-partisan public policy research organization, has agreed to conduct a state-wide School Finance and Reform Study.
I greatly appreciate the CRC for assuming this endeavor. Regarding a time line, this study will take researchers several months to collect and review data, before recommending practical and far-sighted reforms.
Unfortunately, no simple, one-step solutions exist to offset Michigan's school districts' financial issues. No single explanation exists for the difficult and challenging mission of ensuring all Michigan students having opportunities to meet state standards and achieve academic proficiency.
Such a study would review the links between student achievement and school finance policies.
Such state economic policy decisions regarding public school funding should be based on research and data, not political expediency, quick fixes, or simplistic solutions to school district funding issues.
Sound data and economic principles should guide decisions regarding Michigan's school funding/allocation system. Fiscal policy should be formulated in light of research findings to maximize student achievement, increase educational opportunity, and support positive economic outcomes.
The study, "Education in Michigan: Finance and Reform," will provide a much needed catalyst and data to advance education and finance reform for Michigan's 1.6 million school children.
The proposed study's outline includes sections on school finance and governance plus items such as Proposal A's funding structure, fiscal realities facing districts, school district equity, school choice, interstate and/or interdistrict comparisons, and analysis of potential reforms to the educational system.
As all superintendents, I look forward to the results of this study. Please thank your legislators for supporting such a study that would provide needed planning information for all school districts. More information will be forthcoming to our stakeholders as the information becomes available.