LisaLyons@house.mi.gov
Dear Ms. Posthumus-Lyons:
The proposal to reduce funding for districts operating half-day kindergarten programs is yet another huge blow to the public schools on top of the already unsustainable cuts the legislature and Governor imposed in the last budget. Our district stands to lose $900,000 if we stay with a half day program. If we implement a full-day kindergarten program, it will cost our district $450,000, which the legislature is not proposing to fund. It is unclear how this proposal will save the state any money. Surely every district will have to go to full-day kindergarten. It is safe to assume that student enrollment for kindergarten will not decrease because of this, so the cost to the state is the same. The only effect this proposal will have is to cost districts more money, meaning that they will have to make even more cuts to significant academic programs, which will affect the students directly.
The per pupil funding is not intended to represent the cost per pupil; it is intended to represent the total cost to educate all the students divided by the number of students. The fact is, it costs significantly more to educate a high school student than a kindergartener. Every other legislature understood this and allowed districts to apportion the funding to accommodate this fact. When you and your colleagues suggest cutting per pupil funding in half for each half day kindergartener, you are taking precious resources from the higher grades.
I demand that you abandon this latest assault on the public schools.
Sincerely,
Mr. MacGregor is 73rd District Representative. EGR will be part of the 73rd District after the 2012 election. Consider introducing yourself to him and letting him know how you feel.
Senator Mark Jansen will continue to be our Senator after redistricting.