Michigan educators demand state restore funding for mental health and school safety

A union representing teachers across Michigan is calling on the state legislature to restore funding for mental health and school safety that was cut in this year’s education budget.

Educators are disappointed that the budget reduces the funds available for grants to fund these programs. The previous budget allocated $328 million for grants, while the approved budget allocates about $27 million for mental health and school safety.

The Michigan Education Association is urging lawmakers to fund these programs. Blake Mazurek, the union’s chief of staff, said fully funding the state’s public school districts is critical to giving students what they need to succeed.

“We are always committed to securing the funding that will improve Michigan’s schools and make them the best in the country,” Mazurek said. “We have a plan to get there, we just need the resources.”

The budget approved last month keeps per-pupil funding unchanged from the current fiscal year. Instead, the budget allows districts to reduce their payments to the pension system for their employees, allowing schools to use those savings for students and staff.

Mazurek said reducing pension obligations will free up more money for student services and to address teacher shortages. The union estimates the measure will generate about $250 per student for school districts.

“We’re still finding a lot of districts where there aren’t enough people to fill the classrooms. And this money, this funding, will hopefully help improve that as well.”

Mazurek said educators hope lawmakers will increase funding for mental health and school safety programs in a supplemental budget this fall.

Some WKAR staff members are members of the Michigan Education Association.