The state will give extra cash to more than 100 public schools across Michigan. The cash incentives belong to the Best Practices program.
Districts that follow 4-out-of-5 requirements will receive $100 per student. Local schools such as Holt Public Schools, Waverly Community Schools, Bath Community Schools, Williamston Community Schools and East Lansing School District will receive the first installment of these payments.
"This is all about giving schools more money in the classroom," said Jan Ellis spokeswoman with the Michigan Department of Education.
The Department of Education allotted $100 per pupil. They approved that amount for 177 districts in Michigan. The bottom line is that they set aside $154 million for the Best Practices program.
The grants come after major cuts to education funding. Last May districts faced cuts of $470 per student. East Lansing School District met state standards.
"It's good news for us, but it wasn't unanticipated," said David Chapin, superintendent, of the East Lansing School District.
East Lansing administrators say they want the original cuts reversed. They say their $350,000 grant will fund general operations but will barely affect students in the classroom.
"It's a very small part of the budget," said Richard Pugh, Director of Finance for the ELSD.
East Lansing officials doubt they'll ever see the initial cutbacks, but for now they say their budget sits on steady ground.
Every district that meets the requirements can apply for the grant. Schools have until June of next year to apply for funding.
