Wendy Lecker: Michigan’s inadequate funding of schools a lesson for CT
Wendy Lecker: Michigan’s inadequate funding of schools a lesson for CT
Michigan is the home state of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Before she was appointed by President Donald Trump, DeVos wielded her influence and wealth there to push and expand unregulated charters. “School choice” is one of the policies that opponents of adequate public school funding claim can improve education without spending more money. They also tout increased accountability. These two policies are often sold using the civil rights language, promising equal opportunity for all.
A new report by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (“MCRC”), Education Equity in Michigan, demonstrates how underfunding public schools, while relying on choice and increased accountability, has undermined equity and quality in public education across that state. The report is the result of a year of hearings throughout Michigan, where the commission heard from residents as well as subject matter experts.
MCRC notes the persistent underfunding of Michigan public schools, particularly for students with additional needs. In 1993, in an attempt to reduce funding inequity among school districts, Michigan shifted from a system reliant on local property taxes to one relying primarily on state revenue sources. However, the state neglected funding adequacy. Since 1993, Michigan’s school funding revenue steadily declined. A 2019 study found Michigan ranked last in the nation in total education revenue growth and 48th out of 50 in per pupil revenue growth. A key problem is inadequate funding of students living in poverty, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities. The disparity in resources between affluent and poor districts is matched by a disparity in educational outcomes, especially among the most underserved students.
Compounding Michigan’s inadequate state funding is a “money follows the child” system where funds leave with students as they move from public school to charter to Public School Academies — three different systems competing for the same limited pot of state education funds. The report notes that the state “provides taxpayer money to charter schools without CONTINUE READING: Wendy Lecker: Michigan’s inadequate funding of schools a lesson for CT