KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo School Superintendent Michael Rice was pleased to hear that Governor Rick Snyder included increased funding for public schools in his proposed budget this week, but noted that it’s just a proposal.
Rice told school trustees at their regular meeting Thursday night that the Governor also proposed increased funding last year, but lawmakers reduced it significantly in the final budget. .
He says in fact if the voting doesn’t go their way in the House and Senate, they could see a cut in their budgets.
The Governor and many educators feel that poorer districts should get more than richer districts, but many of Snyder’s fellow Republicans who come from those richer districts don’t see it that way, and believe every child should get the same, regardless of need.
Kalamazoo officials say that mind set has cost poorer schools a significant loss in buying power over the last couple of decades.
Dr. Rice promised the board a more comprehensive analysis from staff at future meetings.
