More than 1,500 supporters of public education from across the state descended on Lansing to urge the Legislature to restore funding cuts and find a long-term solution to fix Michigan's school funding system last week on November 10.
The event was initiated by local school districts and organized by the SOS! Task Force, with considerable support from school districts and their community members. The event provided a venue for parents, school board members, students and district administrators to talk to their legislators about cuts to school funding and the effect on their districts.
The three main goals of SOS! include:
- Promoting the replacement of the current funding system with one that's equitable and provides a more stable funding source.
- Assisting schools in enhancing efficient and effective delivery of educational services. Including promoting changes in existing laws and regulations, as well as the development and support of processes for thoughtful self-evaluation of current practices, and the exploration of alternative approaches to managing schools and educating students.
- Providing materials and assistance to help schools understand and communicate about the financial situation school districts face.
A school board sample resolution, news release and petition are available on the SOS! Web site. You can also sign up to get involved with SOS! at the local level, connect with SOS! on Facebook and follow SOS! on Twitter.