A
study
conducted by Augenblick, Palaich and Associates of Denver, Colorado
recommended Michigan spend $8,667 per student. Most generally agree
this is where the state should be in funding.
The
funding is to provide adequate resources for most students, with
additional funding for at-risk, English language learners and special
education. It also recommends a shift in funding: have the state make
base payments to each district and have local taxes provide
supplemental funding. This recommendation would mean a $438 increase
from the foundation allowance in the newly signed budget with $1,156
more than some at the minimum foundation allowances are spending.
Most
were in agreement that Michigan should be closer to this target,
however not in one budget cycle. Jared Burkhart, executive director
of the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers, pointed out
the inequality of spending between charter schools and traditional
schools. The study also emphasized the distance in equity between
poor and wealthy districts, which has been growing in Michigan for
years.
In
the report, no capital funding was included in the recommendations.
Not enough data was available statewide to know capital needs and
expenditures.