Good Afternoon Flat Rock Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As we move into October of the 2025-2026 school year, I want to share an important update regarding an issue that could have significant implications for our students, staff, and educational programs.
As you may be aware, state lawmakers missed the July 1 deadline required by law to approve the K-12 school funding budget. This delay brought us dangerously close to a state government shutdown on September 30th, which was only avoided due to a continuation agreement put in place by the Governor. While this agreement temporarily prevents a shutdown, we are still operating without a finalized School Aid budget. This unresolved issue could disrupt the essential funding schools depend on to function effectively. Without a resolution, districts—including Flat Rock Community Schools—will not receive their first scheduled state aid payment on October 20, 2025.
For us, this payment is critical to:
• Paying our dedicated teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support students.
• Maintaining manageable class sizes and offering vital student services.
• Operating buses and providing classroom supplies.
• Funding academic programs, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
• Ensuring meals are available for all students at school.
The delay stems from a proposal to divert funds from the School Aid Fund—originally designated for K-12 education—to other priorities such as road repairs. This approach undermines the intent of the system voters approved in 1994, which aimed to ensure equitable funding for public schools across Michigan.
Our schools cannot sustain operations indefinitely without these resources. It is imperative that lawmakers prioritize approving a K-12 budget that safeguards School Aid Fund dollars for their intended purpose: educating Michigan’s children.
I want to reassure families that Flat Rock Community Schools will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students. Access to nutritious meals is a priority, and we are committed to making sure every child has what they need to be ready to learn each day.
I am hopeful that progress will be made as early as this evening, and that we can soon move forward from this challenging situation. It is deeply disappointing that our students—our children—have been caught in the middle of political maneuvering in Lansing. I want to emphasize that the Flat Rock Community Schools Board of
Education fulfilled its responsibility by passing our budget on time before the July 1 deadline. Since then, we have worked diligently to ensure that our students and staff were not impacted by these issues occurring far from our classrooms.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these uncertain times. Together, we remain committed to providing the best possible education for our students. Thank you for your consideration and as always “GO RAMS”.
Sincerely,
Mr. Andrew Brodie Ed.S.