Dear EUP Communities,
As we start the 2025-26 school year, I want to update you on an important issue in Lansing that
could impact our students, staff, and programs in the coming months.
State law mandates that lawmakers approve a K-12 school funding budget by July 1 each year so
districts can plan and operate with certainty. That deadline has passed, and no agreement has
been reached. Without a budget, there's a risk of a state government shutdown on September 30,
which could delay funding that schools depend on to operate.
At the heart of the deadlock is a proposal to redirect dollars from the School Aid Fund – the fund
voters were promised would be dedicated to K-12 education – to other priorities, including road
repairs. Many believe this violates the original intent of the system voters approved in 1994 to
provide fair, statewide funding for public schools.
If the Legislature does not pass a budget, districts will miss out on their first scheduled state aid
payment on October 20, 2025. For our schools, that payment is a significant part of the resources
we rely on to:
Compensate teachers and support staff who work directly with students.
Maintain class sizes and student support services.
Maintain bus operations and keep classrooms supplied.
Fund academic programs, arts, athletics, and student activities.
We cannot operate indefinitely without these resources. The solution is simple: lawmakers
should approve a K-12 budget that safeguards School Aid Fund dollars for their original purpose
– educating Michigan’s children.
Please join me in urging our elected officials to reach a quick agreement and keep K-12 funding
secure. You can contact your state lawmakers at
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Legislature/Legislators and explain why timely, protected school
funding is important to you and your family.
Our students deserve a stable, fully funded school year. Together, we can guarantee their
learning proceeds without interruption.
Sincerely,
Angie McArthur, Ed.D.
Superintendent
315 Armory Place, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan 49783
(906) 632-3373 | Fax: (906) 632-1125 | www.eupschools.org