Local schools empowered to make decisions based on what kids need most

State Rep. Ann Bollin, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, today led the House in approving a transformational budget for Michigan’s K-12 schools.

The $21.9 billion budget reimagines how Michigan invests in its students, shifting control away from Lansing and giving more decision-making power to local schools and families.

“This budget represents a major shift in how we approach education in Michigan,” said Bollin, R-Brighton Township. “We’re building a stronger model by putting trust where it belongs — in the hands of local school boards, parents, and educators who know their communities best. Every district is different, and the people closest to the students should be the ones making the decisions.”

The House’s K-12 budget plan raises the state’s per-student foundation allowance to $12,000 — the highest level in Michigan history. That’s an increase of $2,392 per student, resulting in more funding flowing directly into classrooms to expand opportunities for kids in areas where they need help most.

The plan moves away from Lansing’s one-size-fits-all mandates by loosening restrictions on how schools can use their funding. Instead of bureaucrats dictating spending by awarding specific pots of money to each district to use on things like transportation or new text books, the House budget empowers local districts to invest in what matters most for their students. That could be reading programs, mental health services, transportation, school safety improvements, lunch, after-school tutoring, and more.

“We’re done with top-down mandates that ignore the real challenges our schools face,” Bollin said. “This plan meets schools where they are and gives them the flexibility they need to lift kids up and help them succeed.”

The House budget also includes more than $300 million to fund competitive grants that shrink class sizes, boost early reading success, and improve school infrastructure.

The plan restores critical school safety and mental health funding that was slashed by Democrats last year and encourages every school district to have a school resource officer.

“Every child deserves a safe, welcoming place to learn, and parents deserve peace of mind,” Bollin said. “We’re making that happen by restoring the support schools rely on and encouraging school resource officers who can build trust with students and help prevent tragedies before they happen.”

Bollin noted that the House’s $21.9 billion K-12 budget invests in education at historic levels. It’s $1.1 billion more than the current K-12 budget, and higher than both the governor’s recommendation and the K-12 budget passed by the Senate.

“This is a transformational budget that puts students first by taking the decision-making away from Lansing bureaucrats and empowering local educators and local school boards to make decisions about what’s best for local students,” Bollin said. “It’s a step forward for Michigan families, and I’m proud of all the hard work that’s gone into it.”