Whitmer kicks off back-to-school your with students, parents, and educators in Novi


Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (in white jacket) kicked off her Back-to-School Tour Wednesday in Novi.
(Photo courtesy of Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)


On Wednesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicked off her Back-to-School Tour, sitting down with students, parents, and teachers to discuss efforts the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has taken to strengthen in-person learning, on-campus mental health, and staff recruitment and retention as the new school year begins. Last month, the governor signed her fourth bipartisan education budget that will make the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history, hire, train and recruit 10,000 teachers, expand on-campus mental health resources, build up school facilities, and more.  

“As a mom, I know every parent wants to send their kids to school knowing they have the resources and support they need to start the school year off right,” said Whitmer. “That’s why I’m grateful to get invaluable input from parents, teachers, and staff to ensure resources from the historic education budget I signed last month are used as effectively as possible. Our bipartisan budget made the highest state per-student funding in Michigan history, will help recruit and train 10,000 educators, and invest in school infrastructure, mental health, and campus safety. Together, we can improve your child’s in-class experience, and make sure they are on track for long-term success. I will work with anyone to help our kids learn and grow in-person.”   

Whitmer has worked collaboratively with leaders in education, as well as students and parents to gain their perspectives throughout the budget process. She will continue engaging with students, parents, educators and experts into the school year, including more formally bringing parents into the policymaking process with the Michigan Parents' Council.  

"We have seen the data from the School Finance Research Collaborative, and we have been hopeful that our lawmakers would enact the recommendations that it produced,” said Ben Mainka, Superintendent of Novi Community School District. “As public educators, we are extremely grateful for the investment that was made this year in our students, staff, and quite literally - our future here in Michigan. The intentionality given to mental health, teacher recruitment and retention, and school infrastructure by Governor Whitmer and the legislature this year will benefit not only Novi Community School District, but the entire state of Michigan. We are extremely excited for an incredible school year, and support like this is exactly what Michigan schools need right now."  

“I am encouraged by the direction towards fully funding prek-12 public education because it makes it so much easier to give the students the resources they need to become successful citizens of Michigan and stay in Michigan,” said Ruth Ann Knapp, retired educator from Saginaw of over four decades. “The funding level is very helpful in supporting the professional school family: teachers, aides, admin, custodians, cafeteria workers, and more. If they have sufficient salaries, they can do the work they love as their only job instead of having to juggle two or three just to make ends meet.”

“The Funding MI Future Educator Fellowship is an effective way to recruit and retain great teacher candidates while recognizing the work that goes into the job,” said Amena Shukairy, a current student teacher and future graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint. “Teachers are in need in Michigan, and programs like this will help remove the barriers that limit student teachers from excelling in their roles.”

“Governor Gretchen Whitmer understands the stress Michigan’s students and families have been under the last several years,” said Wesley Wilson, Mona Shores Public School District Trustee. “Committed to enabling Michigan students to succeed, she’s led the effort to provide $214-per-pupil in every district across Michigan to address mental health support and school safety.”