New Analysis Finds that Michigan Schools are Billions of Dollars Short of What is Needed to Support Students from Low-Income Backgrounds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2026
Contact: Jennifer Mrozowski, Senior Director, Strategic Communications & External Relations [email protected]
New Analysis Finds that Michigan Schools are Billions of Dollars Short of What is Needed to Support Students from Low-Income Backgrounds
DETROIT, MI — Michigan is investing billions of dollars less than what students from low-income backgrounds need to reach their full academic potential, according to EdTrust-Midwest’s updated Student Opportunity Tracker.
EdTrust-Midwest released the 2026 Student Opportunity Tracker today as part of its revamped Opportunity for All website, which includes new statewide analyses on fair and equitable school funding across Michigan as well as an interactive dashboard providing comparative district funding information. The new tracker compares Michigan’s school funding weights for students from low-income backgrounds to what research recommends is necessary to truly support their needs.
“Fair funding is one of the most important levers to improve student outcomes, yet Michigan remains far off from what research says is necessary for students with the greatest needs,” said Brian Love, state director of EdTrust-Midwest, “If Michigan wants to be a top ten state for education, we have to ensure that students who need more support receive more resources.”
Despite recent investments in Michigan schools, research shows Michigan is still far off the mark for what is necessary for students from low-income backgrounds. According to EdTrust-Midwest’s new analysis, Michigan’s FY26 $1.3 billion investment is only scratching the surface of what is needed. Research suggests investing 100% to 200% more to ensure students from low-income backgrounds receive the supports they need to thrive — that would mean an investment of at least $6.8 billion annually.
As state policymakers debate what resources to invest in schools for FY27, the updated Opportunity for All website and Student Opportunity Tracker provide clear, accessible data and analysis showing how Michigan’s current school funding system falls short of meeting the moment for students with the greatest needs.
Through updated visuals, simplified data, and comparative district information, the new tool helps advocates, community members, parents, families, and policymakers see how funding impacts student opportunities in communities across the state. The site also shows what fair funding could look like if Michigan funded its public schools at levels like those of leading education states.
EdTrust-Midwest launched the new analyses and tracker on the same day that team members and partners with the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity met with policymakers at the Capitol to advance their fair funding agenda. As part of the launch, EdTrust-Midwest is also encouraging individuals and organizations to take action by signing the Fair Funding Pledge, a commitment to supporting school funding policies that prioritize student need and promote transparency and accountability.
“We celebrate policymakers for their commitment over the past three years to increase funding for students with the greatest needs, including students from low-income backgrounds, English learners, and students with disabilities,” Love said. “But there’s more work to do to truly build a funding system that works for all students. We invite everyone to join us in calling for fair funding that ensures every student has the resources they need to succeed.”
The Opportunity for All website is part of EdTrust-Midwest’s broader effort to ensure Michigan becomes a top education state for all students by advancing policies that expand opportunity and improve outcomes.
