EdTrust-Midwest Statement on U.S. Department of Education Memo related to Federal Funding Eligibility

Today, the U.S. Department of Education said in a press release that it sent letters to State Commissioners overseeing K-12 State Education Agencies (SEAs) requiring them to “certify their compliance with their antidiscrimination obligations in order to continue receiving federal financial assistance.”

This would need to be done in order to maintain their federal funding eligibility, including Title I funding.

“Michigan public schools benefit from more than $500 million annually from Title I funds,” said Jennifer Mrozowski, senior director for strategic communications and external relations at EdTrust-Midwest. “This funding supports students statewide in every region of the state, from Utica to Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula.  This crucial role that the federal government plays – supporting low-income students no matter where they live – is fundamental to the promise of America being a land of opportunity.  Michiganders need to stand together and let Congress know not to allow bad politics hurt Michigan kids and public schools.

“Every Michigan student deserves a great public education – and our state’s economic future depends on that.  We need the federal government to support Michigan’s effort to make good on that collective goal, not put kids in the crosshairs of political battles.”