Lansing Sun

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (D-Mich.) visited two schools in Detroit recently to acknowledge Student Appreciation Week.

Gov.  Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) revealed that Student Appreciation Week would run from April 25 to May 1 to recognize achievements by students. 

Gilchrist spoke to the education community, including students, teachers, and parents, according to a press release from the governor's office.

“I had a great time visiting Sexton High School in Lansing and Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy in Detroit this week and learning about the impact our administration’s investments have had for parents, educators, and students,” Gilchrist said in the press release. “As a parent with kids in public school, I know how critical it is to partner with parents, get kids the resources they need to succeed, and attract and retain the best educators. Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to getting things done that position young people in Michigan for success.”

Whitmer proposed more investments in education for the fiscal year 2023 budget.  She called for raising the per-pupil funding from $8,700 to $9,135 and devoting $1 billion for school safety and $1.6 billion to retain educators, according to the press release. The proposed budget marks the largest increase in education funding in 20 years without raising taxes.

Whitmer signed the School Aid budget into law last year, the press release noted. The legislation eradicated the funding gap between school districts. 

With Gilchrist's assistance, Whitmer has tripled the number of literacy coaches in the state since taking office.