State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz | Michigan House Republicans
State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz | Michigan House Republicans
The final state education budget for Michigan has increased per-pupil funding to $10,050, marking a $442 rise from the previous year. State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) noted that this is the highest level of investment in local schools to date and said it will help schools direct more resources into classrooms.
“This budget gives every school in our community more funding to better support their students,” Schmaltz said. “We’re providing record funding that will go straight to classrooms — where it belongs — to lower class sizes, strengthen student learning, and give teachers more tools to succeed.”
Schmaltz voted against last year’s state budget due to significant cuts—school safety and mental health funding was reduced by 92%, and there was no increase in per-pupil allocations despite rising inflation. This year, she advocated for restoring those funds, resulting in $321 million being returned for student protection measures across Michigan.
“Last year’s cuts to school safety and mental health were unacceptable,” Schmaltz said. “I made it a top priority to make sure those resources were restored.”
The universal free school breakfast and lunch program remains unchanged under the new plan. Schmaltz emphasized that continued support for this initiative means families can be assured their children will receive healthy meals at school.
Local districts within Schmaltz’s area are set to benefit significantly from the new K-12 budget: Chelsea School District will receive an additional $898,426; East Jackson Community Schools will get $643,238; Grass Lake Community Schools is allocated $657,808; Jackson Public Schools receives $3,295,553; Michigan Center School District gets $874,520; Northwest Community Schools is set for $1,831,785; and Western School District will see an increase of $1,690,670.
“I’m proud of the local impact this budget will have,” Schmaltz said. “Every additional dollar we secured helps strengthen classrooms, improve safety, and ensure our kids have the best opportunity to thrive.”
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