Dr. Sue Carnell - Chief Deputy Superintendent | Michigan Department of Education
A report presented to the State Board of Education indicates that Michigan requires nearly $23 billion for necessary improvements in school infrastructure over the next decade. The study focuses on essential school facility needs such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, roofing, fire prevention, and electrical services.
This report, conducted by Plante Moran Realpoint with Barton Malow Builders and overseen by the School Finance Research Foundation, resulted from legislation passed in 2023. Section 11y of the State School Aid Act provided funding for this comprehensive study, now delivered to various state bodies including the Michigan Department of Education.
Participation in the study included ninety-three percent of the schools identified, notably traditional public schools. Executive Director of the School Finance Research Foundation, Mr. Steven Ezikian clarified, “This study only looked at health, safety, and wellness components of K-12 instructional school buildings,” excluding technological, administrative, athletic, or playground facilities. The study spans 243 million square feet of building space and evaluates costs across three timeframes, detailing $5.3 billion in critical needs in the next 1-3 years, $6.9 billion for the near term over 4-6 years, and $10.5 billion over 7-9 years.
Dr. Daveda Colbert, superintendent of the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency, emphasized the priority of student health and safety in learning environments. She underscored the significance of the data for informing district decisions and emphasized collaboration with lawmakers to ensure adequate funding for school modernization and maintenance.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice acknowledged the report’s alignment with state educational goals and appreciated past increases in school funding. However, he noted that public schools still face a shortfall in funding relative to the recommendations from the 2018 School Finance Research Collaborative study. Dr. Rice advocated for a statewide referendum to address school building needs and increase essential staff members.
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