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Whitmer Plans to Propose ‘Record High’ Per-Pupil Funding in FY 2026 Budget Proposal

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is gearing up to propose a “record high” per-pupil funding increase in her upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, a move her office claims will benefit Michigan’s education system significantly. This new initiative is set to follow a year of heated debates over the state’s current budget and education funding, which will likely spark further conversation in the state Capitol.

Per-Pupil Funding Set for Major Increase

The current Fiscal Year 2025 school aid budget totals $23.4 billion, with each pupil receiving a foundation allowance of $9,608. While this figure did not see an increase from the previous year—prompting some criticism from Republicans—the funding included legislation to reduce teacher retirement contributions, effectively saving school districts $598 million in payroll costs.

Now, Whitmer is eyeing even higher investments for Michigan’s education system in her 2026 budget proposal. Although her office has not yet disclosed the exact increase in per-pupil funding, they made clear that her administration’s contributions have surpassed those made under the previous two governors, Democrat Jennifer Granholm and Republican Rick Snyder, combined.

Gretchen Whitmer education Michigan state budget

Whitmer’s proposal is set to be the centerpiece of her school budget, with education funding rising as a major issue for both sides of the political spectrum. The SMART Plan—an acronym standing for Students, Metrics, And Results with Transparency—will be an essential focus, aiming to increase educational outcomes through bipartisan efforts.

What’s Included in the Proposal:

  • A significant boost to per-pupil funding
  • Investment in education transparency measures
  • New literacy grants to districts
  • Expansion of science of reading and literacy coaching programs

Whitmer has expressed her commitment to addressing Michigan’s education gaps, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach with both parties in the Legislature. The state has faced declining test scores following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the governor plans to tackle this head-on with targeted investments.

Bipartisan Approach for Better Outcomes

In her recent “Road Ahead Address” at the Detroit Auto Show, Whitmer underscored her intention to work across the aisle as Michigan’s Legislature is now divided between a Republican-controlled House and a Democrat-controlled Senate. With the mounting challenges in education and other sectors, Whitmer seeks to find common ground in order to achieve measurable improvements for Michigan students.

“Every Michigan student deserves the resources they need to get a good-paying job and set themselves up for a bright future,” Whitmer emphasized. She highlighted the importance of both education reform and transparency for ensuring that students get the best possible opportunities, positioning her proposal as an effort to meet both long-term educational goals and immediate needs for Michigan families.

Whitmer is set to propose funding that addresses a series of key education initiatives—many of which have been supported by both Republicans and Democrats. The aim is to better prepare students for the future while bolstering the state’s education system to adapt to the evolving job market and provide necessary resources for struggling school districts.

A Focus on Literacy and Parental Engagement

An exciting development in Whitmer’s proposed budget includes a doubling of literacy grants for districts. This move aims to address concerns over Michigan’s declining reading scores and to better equip schools to implement the latest reading strategies. Along with this, Whitmer is proposing the establishment of two literacy coaches in every intermediate school district—an unprecedented initiative in Michigan’s history. These coaches will support both students and teachers as they navigate new reading programs and literacy requirements, including the recently mandated science of reading curriculum.

The governor is also focused on improving transparency between schools and parents. Her office plans to invest in education transparency measures, including awarding districts for implementing best practices and giving parents easier access to student outcomes. Improved dashboards, direct reporting to parents, and enhanced school board meetings will all be part of the plan to boost parental engagement and ensure Michigan families have access to the information they need.

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