b. Northview Public Schools opposes legislation that would modify “total program” funding of P-12 public education through various mechanisms that are essentially “carrot and stick” approaches. It is also important that the state stop requiring schools to add new programs through unfunded mandates. This would not exclude providing fair and equitable funding for all schools while using, among other factors, performance-based evaluations.
c. Northview Public Schools supports increased reimbursement levels for categorical programs including, but not limited to, special education, transportation, and vocational education. Northview Public Schools supports the funding of a technology categorical program to support districts’ technology needs resulting from increased data requirements by the state and increased instructional technology needs for academic achievement.
d. Northview Public Schools opposes any state or federal legislation that diverts public funds for nonpublic and private for-profit schools through a tax credit,voucher system or any other such plan that is not within the control and discretion of local boards of education.
e. Northview Public Schools opposes any state or federal mandate that does not include adequate funding for local school districts to effectively implement new requirements. Northview Public Schools supports deregulation or relaxing non-essential state reporting and other administrative requirements that would free up more time and resources at the school and local district level.
f. Northview Public Schools supports legislation that would financially assist districts when students are placed in group homes, foster homes, or detention facilities within their boundaries.
g. Northview Public Schools supports legislation that increases the pool of funds available for reimbursement to districts with students with several special needs or other high levels of excess costs.
h. Based on the extensive research indicating the importance of early childhood programs, Northview Public Schools supports using adequate funding from the School Aid Fund for these types of programs and appropriately funded full-day kindergarten programs.
i. Northview Public Schools believes that its board, staff, and constituents should be actively involved in programs that proactively support our educational programs. This can be done through active involvement in groups like the Grassroots Organization of Kent County and the Friends of Kent County Schools.
j. Northview Public Schools supports additional appropriations to address the disparity among school districts in the ability to pay for operational expenses and capital facilities as it relates to health, safety, and growth issues so all Michigan children have access to adequate facilities.
3. Improving schools – Northview Public Schools affirms the need for every school to demonstrate continuous improvement and be accountable in meaningful and useful ways to its owners and stakeholders.