Governor announces $65M in funding for schools

Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced $65 million in funding for schools in Michigan to assist with their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The money comes from funds allocated by Congress in March in the CARES Act. The money is in addition to other funds already allocated by state officials.

Most of the money – $60 million – will be directed toward schools where more than half the students are in a high-need category. That would include economically-disadvantaged students, special education students, or students who speak English as a second language.

The funds are meant to help with remote learning programs, to provide mental health services, to address learning loss, and other things resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes to education systems.

“As we continue to navigate COVID-19 and approach the start of a new school year, we’ve got to continue doing everything we can to protect our students and educators and support staff,” said Whitmer during a press conference.

The remaining $5.4 million will go toward things like learning resources, mental health services, and early learning interventions.