7001a06gp021217 by Michael Gillis, MLive Media Group

SU N DAY, F E B RUA RY 1 2 , 2 0 17

THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

School leaders lukewarm on Snyder budget They’re happy to get increases, but say they won’t cover rising costs. Monica Scott mscott2@mlive.com

School leaders are grateful Governor Rick Snyder’s proposed K-12 budget calls for funding increases, but say per-pupil funding still is too low to meet current needs. Snyder’s budget released Wednesday would give public schools a hike in overall funding, plus additional dollars for career and technical education programs, academically and economically at-risk students and high schoolers. Snyder recommends the lowest-funded school districts receive a $100 per-pupil increase, while those funded at the highest level would get $50. An additional $150 million would raise at-risk funding to $529 million, or about $778 per student. An additional $22 million is proposed for high schools, or $50 per student. CTE programs would receive $20 million for

equipment upgrades. Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten said he is pleased to see the recommendation for an increase in at-risk funding. But he called the $100 per pupil foundation grant increase”very disappointing.” “It represents a little more than a 1 percent increase,” he said, “which will do little to help with normal rising costs in all areas, particularly those where at-risk or federal funds are not authorized.” “The governor proposes adding another quarter of a billion dollars to the so-called ‘rainy-day’ fund, but he fails to recognize that in school districts and local municipalities, we’ve been in a budget-cutting ‘storm’ since 2008.’’ Britten said the district’s current foundation payment of $7,511 per pupil is lower in value after inflation — $4,800 — than it was in 1995, which was $5,366. Twenty-four of the 31 traditional school districts in Kent and Ottawa counties received the lowest per pupil funding of $7,511. The districts that receive more are: Byron Center ($7,753), Caledonia ($8,200), East Grand Rapids ($7,737), Forest Hills ($8,229), Godwin Heights ($8,069), Grand

“This is significantly less

look at what can be done with the budget to ensure Michigan is poised to become a top 10 state for public education. “We need to continue to work to level the playing the field to educate all children,” Helmholdt said. While thankful for an increase, Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler also expressed disappointment in the amount of per pupil funding. He said overall, the budget recommended would be only an increase of around 1.3 percent for the district. “I was anticipating more funding because all organizations have to deal with rising costs,’’ he said. “This is significantly less than the cost of living and, just once, I’d like us to receive a cost of living increase.’’ Kent County school leaders said inadequate state funding drove them to seek the first regional enhancement millage to gain additional operating dollars. The Kent ISD placed a 10-year, $19.9 million millage on the May 2 ballot that would provide its 20 districts an additional $211 per pupil. The proposal for 0.9 mills would cost $67.50 a year for the owner of a home with a market value of $150,000 and a taxable value of $75,000, according to the ISD.

than the cost of living and, just once, I’d like to us to receive a cost of living increase.’ Michael Shibler, Rockford superintendent’

Haven ($7,592), and Kenowa Hills ($7,519). “While we are grateful that the 2x formula is once again being applied to reduce the equity gap between highest funded and lowest funded districts, we are concerned about the relatively low-level increase in per pupil funding,”’ said John Helmholdt, communications for Grand Rapids Public Schools, who applauded Snyder for his commitment to increasing resources for at-risk youth. In light of a recent bipartisan study conducted by the Legislature that found schools underfunded by $1,200 per pupil, Helmholdt said school leaders want lawmakers to

Governor’s spending plans match many priorities of business group Shandra Martinez smartinez@mlive.com G R A N D R A P I D S — Gov.

Rick Snyder’s proposed 201718 state budget delivered several items on the wish list of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The business group wants more dollars spent on Michigan’s talent and infrastructure needs. “Talent is the top issue for the West Michigan business community, and we are excited to see that priority reflected throughout the governor’s budget,” said Andy Johnston, vice president of government affairs for the local chamber. “M ich iga n’s economy continues to gain momentum, but we must address the challenge companies have finding talent with the skills they need.” Concerns about a talent shortage is the No. 1 issue for West Michigan businesses, according to the results of a recent survey of nearly 600 chamber members. The chamber is especially happy with Snyder’s pushing for a $10 million increase to the Going Pro program, also known as the Skilled Trades Training Fund. The program provides funding for businesses to train workers for in-demand jobs. Snyder ’s budget a lso includes $20 million for schools, intermediate school districts and community colleges to purchase career technology education equipment. The programs complement each other because businesses often use their state training grants to pay community colleges to train their workers, Johnston said. His public affairs team plans to lobby state lawmak-

“Talent is the top issue for the West

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Andy Johnson, vice president of government affairs, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

ers to keep the funding from getting cut in the legislature. The proposed $56.3 billion budget includes $20 million to move the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission report forward. “Proper investment in infrastructure is crucial to Michigan’s economic growth and remains one of the

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Chamber’s top public policy issues,” Johnston said. “This is critical to the economic vitality of our region and state. From wellmaintained roads to strong sewer and drinking water systems, we must ensure we have the infrastructure available to support our communities and businesses.”

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