UP Gazette

State Representative Karl Bohnak has announced his support for a proposed increase in per-pupil funding for schools in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and across the state. The House Republican School Aid Budget proposes a record $12,000 per student, along with ensuring at least one school resource officer per district.

“In the Upper Peninsula, we support our students and our schools, and that’s exactly what we’re achieving with this budget proposal,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “We’re putting record funding in our schools and ensuring every district has a designated resource officer.”

The current funding stands at $9,608 per pupil. The proposed increase to $12,000 represents an additional $2,392 per student. This increase was made possible by cutting bureaucratic red tape and other restrictions to maximize the per-pupil allotment.

Under this plan, Upper Peninsula school districts would see significant increases in funding. Marquette Area Public Schools would receive an additional $4,556,056; Negaunee Public Schools would gain $2,199,678; and Gwinn Area Community Schools would benefit from an extra $1,421,522.

“Lawmakers aren’t the experts in education; the teachers and administrators working with our kids every day are,” Bohnak stated. “I’m proud to support a plan that trusts and empowers our educators to make the spending decisions that make sense for kids throughout Michigan.”

Additionally, the proposal includes a grant program totaling $314.5 million aimed at reducing class sizes, improving reading outcomes through specific measures, consolidating school buildings where necessary, and supporting infrastructure projects.