State Rep. Joseph Fox (R-Fremont) yesterday voted in favor of a major education budget plan on Wednesday that delivers a historic increase in per-student funding. The plan raises the state’s foundation allowance by $2,392, bringing the total to $12,000 per pupil. In addition to this increase, local school districts will benefit from enhanced funding and grant opportunities.

“It’s important that if we want to improve education for our students, we need to get the ball rolling on the local level,” Fox said. “I voted to route funding to local communities, who have unfortunately suffered the last several years from inflation and poor economic conditions, needing increased funding. I believe by building up our communities and local education, Lord willing, we will build a new and better educated generation of leaders.”

The bill increased funding to the following schools in Fox’s district:

Lake County:

• Baldwin Community Schools would receive an additional $754,295

Newaygo County:

• Big Jackson School District would receive an additional $22,886
• Fremont Public School District would receive an additional $3,557,646
• Grant Public School District would receive an additional $2,403,031
• Hesperia Community Schools would receive an additional $1,407,817
• Newaygo Public School District would receive an additional $2,903,677
• White Cloud Public Schools would receive an additional $1,682,223

Oceana County:

• Walkerville Public Schools would receive an additional $447,223

Wexford County:

• Cadillac Area Public Schools would receive an additional $5,371,579
• Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan would receive an additional $11,435,171
• Manton Consolidated Schools would receive an additional $1,734,571
• Mesick Consolidated Schools would receive an additional $996,984

The $21.9 billion education plan also makes a significant shift in how state funds are used, reducing top-down mandates from Lansing and giving school districts more autonomy. Instead of narrowly defined spending requirements, districts will have more control to invest in key programs for students.

“From literacy programs and mental health services to transportation, school safety, and expanded lunch or after-school options, we’ve got it all in this budget,” Fox said. “We’re giving the funding for these essential programs straight to our local schools. No bureaucratic middlemen.”

“Local educators know their students better than any state official,” said Fox, who serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee. “This budget gives our districts the flexibility to adapt to their individual needs.”

Additionally, the plan allocates more than $300 million for competitive grants that support smaller class sizes, early reading improvement, and upgraded school infrastructure. Fox took a moment to thank his local superintendents.

“Our superintendents really do the Lord’s work, and I am extremely thankful for everything they do for our communities and our kids,” Fox said. “I hope we can continue to direct funding to local schools and, as lawmakers, find new ways to empower all our districts so that every child can benefit from this funding.”

The budget passed the House Wednesday afternoon and is now headed to the Senate.

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