As with most policy wonks in the United States, Tuesday, February 5, 2008, was a very important, exciting, and suspenseful day for me.  On this day 24 states voted in primaries and caucuses to nominate candidates to be our next president.  This elected official is very personal to every American; it is the elected official with whom each of us is most familiar (we know this man/woman’s every move and decision).  As I was watching the returns come in across our nation, I couldn’t help but think how the next person who is elected to that office has the potential to achieve so much and affect so much change.

I also couldn’t help but think that just about any Michigander would be able to tell me who is running for President, but very few could name for me his/her representative in the Michigan House of Representatives or Michigan Senate.  Yes, the decisions made by the White House have the potential to affect our schools, however, when it comes down to funding education in the State of Michigan, the men and women who make these important decisions are those elected officials who live in our neighborhoods, attend school functions, and eat in our local restaurants.  It is our State Representatives, State Senators, and our Governor who have the most to say about our public education system.

Local decisions impact local districts.  On February 7, 2008, MEMSPA, along with MASSP and MPTSA, hosted Advocacy Day 2008 at the Lansing Radisson Hotel.  Members from these associations sat down with Michigan policy makers in Lansing and had their voices heard.

This was also the day on which Governor Jennifer Granholm unveiled her budget proposal to a joint convention of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.  In this budget she proposed a per pupil funding increase of $216 at the base and $108 at the top.  Not only did she suggest increases in the foundation allowance, the School Aid Fund will see increases in several categoricals including the new 21st Century Schools Fund.  Through this new fund schools not making AYP will have the opportunity to use money from this fund to help create smaller high schools of 400 students with an emphasis on relevance and relationships.  Make sure to read upcoming Legislative Updates as the State progresses through this year’s budget process.

Education is important to every citizen in out state.  It is an area of policy that potentially reaches every person in Michigan.  That’s why, as an educator, it is imperative that you are involved with those who make the decisions that affect your district, school, and children. 

“Decisions are made by those who show up,” so I’ll see you there.