LANSING, Mich. — State Rep. Tim Kelly, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and the Department of Education, today announced that Michigan’s new K-12 budget delivers record resources for classrooms while enacting reforms to ensure accountability and transparency.
The plan provides the highest per-pupil foundation allowance in state history at $10,050 per student — a $442 increase after schools received no increase last year. For the first time, cyber charter schools will be funded at full parity with traditional schools.
“This is not just a number in a budget book,” Kelly said. “It is teachers supported in their work, textbooks in the hands of students, meals for children who arrive hungry, buses to carry them to class, and tutors to help them succeed. It is Michigan investing in its children.”
The budget also makes a historic commitment to safety and mental health with $321 million in targeted support for per-pupil safety and counseling grants, new school resource officers, and additional mental health professionals.
“A child cannot learn if they do not feel safe, and they cannot thrive if they suffer in silence,” Kelly said. “This investment ensures stability and protection are treated as the foundation of learning.”
Other highlights include:
• At-risk funding increased by 25% to nearly $1.3 billion.
• $65 million for small class size initiatives in early grades.
• $70 million for new “grow-your-own” teacher programs.
• $100 million in school infrastructure grants.
• $70 million to expand career and technical education in underserved regions.
The agreement also includes reforms to improve transparency, limit virtual school days, and ensure dollars go directly into classrooms rather than bureaucracy.
“Michigan ranks near the bottom nationally in reading, math, and graduation rates,” Kelly said. “This budget begins to turn that tide. It demands accountability while delivering the tools our schools need to succeed.”
Kelly emphasized that the work was difficult but essential.
“Reaching this agreement required persistence and resolve, but the result is stronger because of it,” Kelly said. “We cut waste, redirected dollars into classrooms, and spared families from the tax hikes Democrats demanded. The future of Michigan depends on what happens inside our schools, and this budget makes clear that we will no longer accept mediocrity. We are demanding excellence for every child.”

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