The analytics service that helps Michigan public school boards understand district finances better so they can make the best decisions for students, staff, and taxpayers.

Michigan communities need functional public school districts. That requires a competent local Board of Education. Michigan Benchmark helps local school boards become more effective by making financial data more easily understood, interpreted and acted upon.

Community trust thrives when school boards demonstrate their financial decisions are supported by data.

1. Responsible school board financial oversight

School boards and district administration must cooperate. Yes, they need to trust each other, but budgets and projections must be supported by facts that are evident to the school board.

2. Timely, frequent, and effective cost and budget controls

Budgets variances must be detected early. By using Michigan Benchmark's monthly financial reporting service, budget variances are detected earlier.

3. Next level transparency that delivers better financial decisions

Transparency only helps when data can be acted upon. By embracing comparisons with all Michigan public school districts the best decisions are made for the best reasons.

Whether your board needs to cut costs or increase investment, we have the analytics to help you make the best decisions.

Financial decisions must be rooted in facts and data if your Board of Education is to maintain community trust. The Michigan Benchmark Report houses data for every Michigan school district since 2012. Board oversight depends on demonstrating the thoroughness and reliability of your analysis.

Essays

Ann Arbor Public Schools: What Were the Warning Signs?

Ann Arbor Schools financial crisis could befall many districts if the warning signs are not identified. This graphical view tells the story.

Michigan School Districts Must Navigate Federal Funding Cliff

It was fun while it lasted, but it's the end of the line for Federal ESSER funding for Michigan public schools. Let's get ready.

Lessons Learned from Ann Arbor Public Schools Budget Troubles

Ann Arbor's Board of Ed. received a shock this month. Fund equity would drop to 2% by year's end. Read about the harsh lessons learned.

Ten Observations from Michigan Public Schools 2022-23 Financial Result

With all Michigan school districts completing their 2023 financial audits we can review the results and share some observations.

Michigan Benchmark Launches Budget Modeling Service

Michigan Benchmark's Budget Modeling Service helps Michigan school districts project financial results over a five year horizon.

Diagnosing Wayne-Westland Community School District's Financial Turmoil

Last October's audit results revealed a staggering $17 million budget shortfall, leaving the Wayne-Westland community staggered and curious.

Who is Michigan Benchmark?

Michigan Benchmark helps Michigan school districts construct responsible budgets and helps to ensure those budgets are adhered to.

School board trustees are volunteers who must rapidly ramp up their knowledge of state and local finances With school board turnover high and new challenges every year trustees need all the help they can get.

Michigan Benchmark gives them that help

And that same help aids the district's administration and staff - because the more competent the school board, the better for everyone.

Michigan Benchmark helps make data more understandable and useful for school boards, district staff, and taxpayers.

Essays

Who is Michigan Benchmark?

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