Despite support from members of the education community, concerns are still being raised regarding the petition drive started by the K-16 Coalition for Michigan’s Future.
If put into action, the proposal would increase the annual state funding for schools to equal the rate of inflation. In addition, the proposal would adjust the funding calculation for schools with decreasing enrollment so that their funding totals are based on the average enrollment for the previous three fiscal years.
‘With that, at least we know we can pay our bills at the rate of inflation,? said Booke Davis, president of the Clarkston Education Association.
If the minimum number of signatures required are obtained, the issue could then be turned over to the voters if the Michigan Legislature does not pass any action. Voters could then decide whether or not to approve the measures, which could go into effect as early as 2007.
But there is apprehension about the proposal by some, even those who support it.
Clarkston School board Trustee John Koval said he supports the proposal, but questions what effects it will have.
‘It’s a good proposal, I’d love to see it pass, but in a way we’re turning the tables on this one to the state,? Koval said.
Koval said the federal government imposes mandates on the schools that cost more without worrying about how those additional costs are covered.
‘That’s what ‘No Child Left Behind? is all about, a whole lot of mandates with no more money to fulfill those mandates,? Koval said. In turn, Koval said the new proposal would do the opposite by setting a mandate for funding from the state without knowing where the state will get the money.
‘It would be great if we knew the state had a big pot of money sitting there doing nothing and we said now you’re going to give it to us to educate our kids, but I don’t think that’s the way it is,? Koval said.
State officials are also expressing their concerns for the effect the proposal would have if it passes due to the complicated structure of the state budget.
‘It’s a very difficult situation,? said State Sen. Mike Bishop.
Bishop said he’s concerned that passing such a proposal would cause other special interest groups to demand similar earmarked levels of funding, something the state budget simply cannot afford.
‘Our state budget is anemic right now,? said Bishop.
Bishop said education is one of the state legislature’s highest priorities, with approximately 36 percent of the state budget already going toward education now. However, Bishop said he believes the proposed increases would consume other parts of the budget.
‘This is something that is going to bring back some pre-Proposal A bad blood between the schools and the communities in the district,? said Bishop.
Bishop added he would like to see the issue handled by the legislature instead of being on the ballot for next year, a sentiment echoed by State Rep. John Stakoe.
‘The appropriate process is to let the government do it’s job,? said Stakoe.
Stakoe said he keeps up constant communication with school officials, and he is aware of the financial hardships they have. Stako also said the state legislature tries to avoid making cuts to school funding whenever possible.
‘It’s a priority. It always has been,? said Stakoe. Stakoe said the legislature added $300 million to the $15 billion set aside for schools, increasing the minimum per-pupil funding by $175 starting this month.
The proposal would also, over the span of five years, shorten the difference between the lowest spending and the highest spending districts from $1,300 to $1,000.
A retirement fund cap of 14.87 percent would also be made mandatory for schools employees.