Battle Creek Times

Rep. Sarah Lightner has announced a significant funding increase for schools in Jackson and Calhoun counties as part of the latest House Republican budget plan. The initiative aims to prioritize students and families by boosting financial support without introducing new taxes.

"Every dollar in this budget is about putting students and families first, not Lansing bureaucracy," Lightner stated. "These are real investments in our classrooms and our community—with no new taxes."

The plan increases state investment for local schools, providing nearly $2,000 more per student. It also streamlines funding processes and reduces restrictions, granting local districts more autonomy to allocate resources according to their specific needs.

"This budget puts more decision-making in the hands of local school leaders who know their students best," Lightner said. "We’re moving away from Lansing’s one-size-fits-all approach, and giving our districts the flexibility to invest where it matters most for kids and families."

Notable funding increases under the House School Aid Budget include:

- Jackson Public Schools: +$2,009,736

- Northwest Community Schools: +$1,432,670

- Lakeview School District (Calhoun): +$1,471,935

- Harper Creek Community Schools: +$1,108,999

- Western School District: +$1,114,912

- Marshall Public Schools: +$1,016,154

Other districts such as Springport, Hanover-Horton, Concord, Homer, Climax-Scotts, and Galesburg-Augusta are also set to receive substantial funding boosts.

The budget passed by the House will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.