Our Priorities are Students and Parents, Above All

Last May, Michigan's economy was in dire straits and the state's revenue picture was bleak. We faced an estimated $1.4 billion state budget shortfall and an unemployment rate of more than 10 percent. The Legislature knew it had to make some tough but necessary decisions to help strengthen our economy, improve our budget picture and get the state out of its recession. 

The simple truth was that we had to act. Continued delays could have put our children and grandchildren on the hook for immense debt, jeopardizing their future and forcing them to leave our state in greater numbers. 

Now, 12 months later, jobs are being created by the thousands, our unemployment rate has fallen to a level not seen in almost four years, and we find ourselves with a modest budget surplus. The Legislature took action because we wanted our kids and grandkids to be able to stay in Michigan to work, not be forced to move out of the state to find a better quality of life.  We believed, and still believe, that a better quality of life should be found in Michigan. 

And when it comes to education, our priority continues to be the students and parents above all else. Just last week, the Legislature improved educational choice for students by raising the current cap on cyber schools. I voted in favor of the measure because it empowers parents to choose the best education for their children, without negatively affecting our traditional public schools. 

Several amendments were added to the measure to increase oversight and protect public schools. Under these new amendments, cyber school enrollment would be capped, enrollment could not exceed 1 percent of the overall public school system student count, and the cyber schools would have to report annually to the state.  They will not only be accountable to the state, but more importantly, accountable to their students and parents because if they don’t succeed in educating their children, parents can take them out of the program.  

Although Washtenaw County families enjoy top-notch school districts here in the area, some students in Michigan are not so lucky.  Some are trapped in failing school districts with no way out. The cyber-schools measure gives Michigan families quality options for their children's education, and for the first time, provides more accountability in cyber education. The legislation gives our local traditional public schools and intermediate school districts the opportunity to expand to cyber learning as well. Those who oppose this bill are unfortunately advocating for special interests, not our students. This important reform supports student learning, parental choice and teacher empowerment. Every student should have the opportunity for success in life, and more educational choice gives all students the chance to reach their fullest potential. 

The Legislature also approved a new school aid budget that allows for up to $75 million in additional per pupil funding for schools that adopt best practices.  We've also proposed another $115 million for technology upgrades while investing $248.5 million to pay down long-term retirement fund debts in the School Aid Fund. Along with focusing on kids first, we're emphasizing long-term structural changes to our schools so more funding can be put into the classroom. 

(Mark Ouimet is the state representative for the 52nd District.  He may be contacted toll free at 855-627-5052 (855-MARK052) or at markouimet@house.mi.gov.)