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Our blog helps you learn about your community, schools, taxes.
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.
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.
Special Needs Student Proportion Matters in State Test Score Data Analysis
Michigan's traditional public schools continue to have responsibility for a greater proportion of students with special needs.
An Unqualified Audit Result Is Not a Measure of Quality
As Michigan school district audits start are published, school boards and taxpayers should discern different financial quality measures.
Analyzing Michigan Teacher Turnover
Does Michigan have a teacher turnover problem? Michigan Benchmark explores the hard questions—with data. You'll want to see this!
2024 School Aid Fund Budget Review
Michigan's continued run of strong tax revenues continues as the 2024 School Aid Fund budget is approved.
Education Spending v. Defense Spending
It may surprise you to learn that American investment in K-12 education exceeds our investment in national defense.
The Old Normal of State Tax Revenue
The headlines this week regarding the potential failure of Silicon Valley Bank invoked unpleasant memories among those scarred by Michigan's harrowing years from 2008 to 2013. Bank failures globally and nationally sent shock waves and General Motor's bankruptcy set the car industry on its ear. Michigan's state budgets were slashed mid-year for the first and only time. Those of us serving on school boards at the time will never forget those days. While doing some research for
Historic Fund Balances for Michigan Schools
The aggregate fund balances for Michigan K12 school districts have likely never been higher than levels reached following the 2020-21 school year. COVID relief that doubled federal funding for Michigan schools from 2019-20 to 2020-21 particularly spiked aggregate levels. The implication is that most districts could not identify investment options as rapidly as the relief flowed. Federal funding has not been the only factor in rising cash and asset levels for Michigan schools.
Proposal A and the Hold Harmless Districts
At nearly thirty years old, Proposal A slowly but surely closes per pupil funding gaps. Even the wealthy feel the effects.

