GRPS ‘encouraged' by education dollars in Whitmer's budget proposal
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposed state budget for the next fiscal year, rolled out Wednesday, includes a record investment in education.
Recent test scores show young Michigan students are falling behind. According to the , considered the nation's report card, reading scores for Michigan fourth and eighth graders have declined. Eighth graders also posted lower scores in math.
'It's sobering to see some of the scores that have come out,' Whitmer told News 8 while she visited Grand Rapids Wednesday. 'It's not acceptable. That's why we're going to stay focused on it.'
What's in Gov. Whitmer's $83.5 billion Michigan state budget proposal?
The governor's proposal for FY2026 includes record-high per-pupil funding at $10,000. It's an increase of $392 per pupil from the last budget.
'Investments of $10,000 per pupil all across the state is not just the right thing to do, it's absolutely necessary if we're going to improve outcomes for kids,' Whitmer said.
Recent data from the shows per-pupil funding averages about $15,000 nationally. Michigan ranks among the lowest.
Grand Rapids Public Schools spokesman Luke Stier said district leaders are 'extremely encouraged' by the governor's proposal for education. In addition to potentially turning test scores around, Stier said the move follows inflation.
'Just like everybody watching at home, our costs are increasing as well,' Stier said. 'The cost for books and laptops, the cost of health insurance and salaries, utilities, it's all rising. It's really important our funding keeps up with those rising costs.'
Read: Highlights of Whitmer's education budget proposal
As a national teacher shortage continues, Whitmer wants to continue to fund programs helping college students become teachers tuition-free. Another investment supports the 'Grow Your Own' program, giving districts money to help staff get the training they need to become certified teachers.
'It won't be a surprise to anyone that we're going to continue to do what we can to encourage and support people to go into the profession of teaching, support teachers who are there, students who want to go into teaching,' Whitmer said. 'Make sure they don't have to amass a bunch of debt in order to do a job we desperately need great people to do.'
Stier said GRPS has cut its teacher shortage in half over the past two years. The district has taken advantage of the Grow Your Own program and worked with . Stier said Ottawa Hills High School, Alger Middle School and Campus Elementary are nearly fully staffed this year after struggling in the past.
'We believe a big part of that is a grant like that that has allowed teachers to get a to teach in those facilities,' Stier said.
Students get full ride to MSU to become future GRPS teachers
With Republicans controlling the state House of Representatives, it remains to be seen whether Whitmer's goals will go forward. Stier said GRPS leaders are hopeful.
'I think you'll see if you look back through previous budgets on education, we've seen lawmakers from both sides of the aisle be able to come together and support funding for education in a bipartisan manner,' Stier said. 'We're optimistic and excited to see that continue.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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