West Central Michigan News

State Representative Joseph Fox, a Republican from Fremont, has cast his vote in favor of an education budget plan that promises to significantly increase per-student funding. The new budget raises the state's foundation allowance by $2,392, bringing it to a total of $12,000 per pupil. This move is expected to provide local school districts with enhanced funding and additional grant opportunities.

Rep. Fox emphasized the importance of supporting local communities in improving education. "It’s important that if we want to improve education for our students, we need to get the ball rolling on the local level," he stated. He acknowledged the challenges faced by communities due to inflation and economic conditions and expressed hope for building a better-educated generation of leaders.

The bill outlines specific increases in funding for schools within Fox's district across several counties:

In Lake County, Baldwin Community Schools will receive an additional $754,295.

In Newaygo County, Big Jackson School District will receive an extra $22,886; Fremont Public School District will gain $3,557,646; Grant Public School District will have an increase of $2,403,031; Hesperia Community Schools will get $1,407,817 more; Newaygo Public School District is set for an additional $2,903,677; and White Cloud Public Schools will receive another $1,682,223.

Oceana County's Walkerville Public Schools are allocated an extra $447,223.

In Wexford County: Cadillac Area Public Schools are granted an additional $5,371,579; Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan receives a significant boost with another $11,435,171; Manton Consolidated Schools are awarded an extra $1,734,571; and Mesick Consolidated Schools are set for an increase of $996,984.

The overall budget amounts to $21.9 billion and aims to change how state funds are utilized by reducing top-down mandates from Lansing. This shift allows school districts greater autonomy in investing in key student programs without narrowly defined spending requirements.

Fox highlighted various programs supported by this budget: "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," he said. He noted that funding would go directly to local schools without bureaucratic intermediaries.

Fox also underscored the value of local educators' knowledge: “Local educators know their students better than any state official,” he said. As part of his role on the House Education and Workforce Committee he stressed that this budget provides districts with flexibility tailored towards individual needs.

Additionally over 300 million dollars have been allocated toward competitive grants aimed at reducing class sizes improving early reading skills upgrading infrastructure among other initiatives—something Fox appreciates about superintendents’ efforts: “Our superintendents really do Lord’s work I am extremely thankful everything they do our communities kids,” adding hope continued support empowerment across all districts ensuring every child benefits these funds."

Having passed through Wednesday afternoon's House session—the proposed legislation now awaits Senate consideration next steps legislative process."