Whitmer’s budget plan for schools sets $10,300 in per-pupil funding

February 12, 2026

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled her final budget proposal, totaling $88 billion, with $21. 4 billion dedicated to school aid that includes raising the minimum per-student state funding to $10,300. The education-focused budget emphasizes early literacy improvement through substantial investments in tutoring, teacher training, and research-based reading curricula, responding to Michigan students' continued struggles with reading proficiency.

Who is affected

Michigan K-12 students, particularly those in early grades struggling with literacy
Parents and teachers who purchase back-to-school supplies
School districts and charter schools statewide
Students of color, English learners, students with disabilities, and those in high-poverty districts
Teachers requiring literacy training
Cyber charter school operators and students (receiving 20% less per-pupil funding)
School social workers and mental health professionals
Special education students and their families
Nonprofits and the business community dependent on timely budget approval

What action is being taken

State Budget Office officials are presenting the budget proposal to lawmakers through joint hearings of the House and Senate appropriations committees
The Michigan legislature is reviewing the budget proposal (which must be completed by July 1)
Governor Whitmer is proposing the $88 billion total budget with $21.4 billion for school aid

Why it matters

This budget represents a significant commitment to addressing Michigan's persistent literacy crisis, as the state's students continue to lag behind national reading benchmarks, particularly in early grades. Strong literacy skills are identified as critical predictors of long-term success in education, careers, and life overall. The increased investments in research-backed, science-of-reading practices are especially important for vulnerable student populations, including those in high-poverty districts, students of color, English learners, and students with disabilities who have been disproportionately affected by literacy challenges. The substantial funding increases—including a 31% rise in per-pupil grants since Whitmer took office—demonstrate a sustained focus on educational improvement during a fiscally challenging period.

What's next

The Michigan legislature must deliver an approved budget back to Governor Whitmer for her signature by the July 1 deadline
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony has urged legislators to work across party lines to avoid repeating last year's delay, when the budget wasn't approved until October 3

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com