Letters to the editor are opinion editorials submitted by readers. Letters to the editor are a long tradition in American journalism. The views and opinions of the writer do not necessarily reflect those of Mason County Press, its staff or its parent company. For more information, please refer to MCP’s Letter to the Editor Policy.
Dear Editor,
As we begin the 2025-26 school year, we want to update you on an important issue that could impact our students and schools:
- State law mandates that lawmakers approve a K-12 public school funding budget by July 1 each year.
- Having a budget in place is important, so that schools can plan and operate with certainty.
- Since the legal deadline has passed — without elected officials reaching an agreement, there is a risk of a state government shutdown, which could delay funding that schools depend on to operate.
A reason for the deadlock appears to be proposals to redirect money from the School Aid Fund — the fund voters were promised would be dedicated to K-12 education — to other priorities, including road repairs. Many believe this violates the original intent of the system voters approved to provide fair funding for public schools. If lawmakers do not pass a budget, districts will miss out on their first scheduled state aid payment in October. For our schools, that payment is a major part of the resources we rely on to:
- Compensate staff who work directly with students.
- Maintain class sizes and student support services.
- Maintain bus operations and keep classrooms supplied.
- Fund academic programs, arts, athletics, and student activities.
We cannot operate indefinitely without these resources. The solution is simple: Lawmakers should approve a K-12 budget that safeguards School Aid Fund dollars for their original purpose — educating our children. Please join us in urging our elected officials to reach a quick agreement and keep K-12 funding secure. Our students deserve a stable, fully-funded school year.
Respectfully,
Dr. Jason Jeffrey, superintendent, West Shore Educational Service District
Dr. Kyle Corlett, superintendent, Ludington Area School District
Mark D. Platt, superintendent, Hart School District
Jeff Mount, superintendent, Mason County Central School District
Paul Shoup, superintendent, Mason County Easter School District
Craig Barter, superintendent, Pentwater School District
Joe Conckle, superintendent, Walkerville School District
David Forester, superintendent, Baldwin Community School District
Ron Stoneman, superintendent, Manistee Area Public School District
Melissa Zumbach, superintendent, Gateway to Success Academy
Mark Olmstead, Shelby Public School District
Click here for contact information of state elected officials.
.png)
