ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MISupt. says 1% increase in education funding isn't enough

(02/10/12) - We're taking a closer look at some of Gov. Rick Snyder's proposals for the 2013 budget. As we told you Thursday, education, along with health and human services, comprises of more then 75 percent of the budget.

The governor plans to increase funding to all levels of education. If the governor gets his way, K-12 schools would receive a one percent increase in funding next year. Snyder says that breaks down to approximately $75 more per student.

"So we're increasing dollars for education. In terms of where those dollars are going, the first thing we're starting with is maintaining the Foundation Allowance from the same number as last year," said Snyder on Thursday.

The Foundation Allowance is a per-pupil grant that's guaranteed to public schools across the state. Friday, ABC12 sat down with Carrollton Public Schools superintendent Craig Douglas who says that amount has dropped significantly since fiscal year 2009. Right now, the grant money breaks down to about $6,800 per student in the Carrollton School District. Douglas says he applauds the governor for trying to right the economic ship, but he thinks more money needs to be allocated to education.

"The best case scenario is for us to hold pretty much flat next year. Is that enough? No. Can we make due? Sure. But at what quality and what level of service?" Douglas said.

Douglas says what complicates the funding process even more is that the state's and the district's fiscal years don't match up.  He says he's learned to keep a close eye on Lansing, as things can change very quickly. Lawmakers have until Sept. 30 to pass their budget.