Trust > Transparency

Transparency is a mandated minimum. Transparency is not the goal. The goal is trust.

Michigan Benchmark's analytics services enhances trust among the Board of Education, administration, and taxpayers.

Before Michigan Benchmark

🛑 Uninterpreted text

🛑 Confusing data

🛑 Lack of context

🛑 School district jargon

🛑 Outdated reports

With Michigan Benchmark

✅ Intuitive graphs

✅ Customizable reports

✅ Monthly data refresh

✅ Relevant comparisons

✅ Normalized, comparable data

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.