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August 22, 2025

Dear GHAPS Families and Staff,

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 like ours 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.

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 major part of the resources we rely on to:

• Compensate teachers and 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.
• Continue providing free meals for all GHAPS students.

*Currently, we will be able to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch daily for all GHAPS students through September 30. Continuation of the free meals program after September 30 will be dependent on the finalized State Budget.

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 lawmaker, Greg VanWoerkom, District 88 State Representative.

Our students deserve a stable, fully funded school year. Together, we can guarantee their learning proceeds without interruption.

Sincerely,

Kristin Perkowski
Superintendent
Grand Haven Area Public Schools