Lack of a state budget leaves Northern Michigan schools guessing at funding

AI-assisted summary

Michigan school districts face budget uncertainty due to the state legislature's failure to pass an education budget by the July 1 deadline.

The delay also impacts programs like free breakfast and lunch, which are currently funded through September but uncertain beyond that.

As Katy Xenakis-Makowski welcomed students back to Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools this week, she was frustrated that the state legislature still hasn't passed an education budget.

That means superintendents like Xenakis-Makowski are left to guess what level of funding they will receive from the state for the 2025-26 school year.

"It is simply ridiculous that the state has not worked out a plan for the budget as we barrel towards Labor Day," she said. "The hard-working families of our region