TY FOR TCAPS

Michigan lawmakers remain deadlocked on the state budget, leaving districts like ours uncertain about funding for teacher salaries, after-school programs, literacy interventions, school meals, and more.

This uncertainty hits students hardest—especially those furthest from opportunity.

Research shows that targeted investments in students with the greatest needs improve achievement, graduation rates, and school climate.

Despite recent progress, Michigan still underfunds low-income students compared to other states.

Here in Traverse City*, the crisis is clear:

• 38% of our low-income 3rd graders are proficient in reading

• 22% of our low-income 8th graders are proficient in math

• 27% of our low-income 11th graders met college readiness benchmarks

Lawmakers must pass a budget that increases funding for the Opportunity Index (targeted resources for high-poverty districts).

Eliminating these funds, as the House budget proposes, would only worsen inequities.

It’s time for Lansing to pass a budget that prioritizes students most in need to ensure fairness and success for every one of our kids.

Read the Bridge Michigan article

*Check out a sampling of our 2024/25 student achievement outcomes