FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              

May 16, 2024

CONTACT:

Peter Spadafore                                                                                                                          

517.896.5951

pspadafore@mialliance.com

Historic coalition of education leaders calls for investment of

excess OPEB dollars to be directed into Michigan classrooms

LANSING, Mich. – The following statement was issued by leaders of the Michigan Education Association, the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, the Michigan Association of School Boards, AFT Michigan, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity, Education Advocates of West Michigan, the School Equity Caucus, the K-12 Alliance of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education, the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, the Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association, and the Michigan School Business Officials following the distribution of a letter to all Michigan legislators urging them to support a proposal that fully funds the MPSERS OPEB Trust Fund while investing additional dollars into classrooms across Michigan:

“Today, an unprecedented coalition of education leaders representing teachers, school board members, school administrators, school support staff, and other educators from every corner of the state came together to support a proposal to free up an average of $500 per pupil in essential resources that schools can invest directly into the programs and people that promote student success.

“The coalition of education leaders sent a letter to lawmakers urging implementation of this proposal alongside the 2025 budget that would significantly enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for Michigan students, educators, and the broader educational community. This would provide vital benefits to Michigan students and teachers while continuing to support the pension system, fully funding and protecting benefits that educators have earned.

“We look forward to working with our partners in the legislature on this proposal that will invest much needed resources directly into Michigan classrooms.”  

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