LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The state of Michigan has more than doubled the amount of money it gives its public school districts – when adjusted for inflation – for what it defines as “at risk” students over the past 10 years.

In 2014-15, the state dispensed $309 million to K-12 school districts to help better educate what it defines as “at-risk” students. That “at-risk” funding has increased to $952 million in 2023-24, a 134% increase when adjusted for inflation.

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It’s one way less affluent communities end up in Michigan with well-funded school districts because “at risk” funding from the state is on top of the per-pupil “foundation allowance” each school district receives.

The criteria to qualify as an “at-risk” student is expansive.

A student is “at risk” if the student is economically disadvantaged, which means if the student receives a government subsidy such as a free-or-reduced lunch. At risk criteria also includes English learners, students who are chronically absent, a victim of child abuse or neglect, a pregnant teenager or a teenage parent, if the student has a family history of school failure, incarceration or substance abuse, if the student didn’t complete high school in four years, or if the student didn’t meet academic objectives on state testing. Also, students who are homeless, in foster care or migrants also qualify.

In Berrien County in 2024, Benton Harbor Area Schools received $1,545 per pupil in “at risk” funding from the state. Nearby St. Joseph Public Schools received $332 per pupil.

Detroit Public Schools Community District received $60.2 million in “at risk” funding in 2023-24, which was $1,254 per pupil. West Bloomfield’s public school district received $431 per pupil.