A report shows that low-income schools in Michigan are getting more COVID-19 funding. | Canva
A report shows that low-income schools in Michigan are getting more COVID-19 funding. | Canva
A campaign by The Education Trust-Midwest is pushing for increased education funding for low-income students.
“However, in Michigan, school funding already favors districts with more low-income students,” Michigan Capitol Confidential reported.
The story compared COVID-19 funding received by two schools districts, Benton Harbor Area Schools in Berrien County and DeWitt Township in Clinton County.
Benton Harbor, where 47% of residents live in poverty, received $3.2 million, or $1,672 per student. DeWitt Township, with only 9% of residents living in poverty, received $52,686, or just $16.48 per student.
“The discrepancy between schools exists because the government favors districts with more low-income students,” according to Michigan Capitol Confidential. “And that plays out with overall school funding also.”
The Education Trust-Midwest, along with some business executives, city officials and civil rights groups, have been promoting an initiative called “Opportunity for All” that would increase school funding.
“Michigan has chronically under-invested in supports for historically underserved student groups and underutilized evidence-based practices to support student learning and close Michigan’s wide gaps in opportunity and achievement,” The Education Trust-Midwest says on its website.
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