How School Funding Works

Making ends meet in schools today is no simple feat. Money’s needed for teacher salaries, classroom supplies, utility bills and everything in between. Yet a cash crunch is steadily outpacing – if not outright trouncing – districts’ ability to pay. Why? Look to the source.

School funding is a complicated beast. Just like any household, every school district has both a source of income – and a laundry list of bills that constantly need paying. The primary chunk of change comes from the state’s “School Aid Fund”: mostly a handful of state taxes (the 6-percent “sales and use” tax leads the pack), with federal money and Michigan Lottery profits topping off the final 11 percent or so. The rest comes from local businesses (aka, “non-residential property taxes”). And there are caveats, of course: Certain funds must be used for specific types of expenses.

Want to see a breakdown? Click on the image (above right) to for a flowchart of how the school money is chopped up in Michigan.

Kim Kovelle
Kim Kovelle
As a Metro Parent content manager, Kim Kovelle brings over 20 years of writing and editing experience. She has strong roots in community journalism and a knack for making complicated topics make more sense.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Make a Splash at These Ann Arbor-Area Spray Parks

Cool off with the kids this summer at the best splash pads near Ann Arbor, from city favorites to exciting new water play spots.

These Are The 10 Best Places to Live in Metro Detroit

Explore the 10 best places to live in metro Detroit, ranked by schools, safety, cost of living and family-friendly features.

Are There Any Breweries with Kid-Friendly Patios in Metro Detroit?

Family-friendly breweries around metro Detroit offer great beer, outdoor patios, and fun spaces where kids are welcome, too.

Where Are Oakland County’s Best Public School Teachers? Find Out Here

Find Oakland County's top public schools with the best teachers, rated on teacher quality, student achievements and more.




- Advertisement -