Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that free school meals will continue for all students in Michigan as part of the recently signed bipartisan education budget.
The governor signed the $24.1 billion education budget on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, surrounded by Flint public school students. The Michigan Legislature passed the budget earlier this month.
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The education budget includes pre-pupil funding of $10,050, boosts support for increasing literacy rates, funds free pre-K and community college, delivers recruitment and retention bonuses to educators and more, according to a release from Whitmer’s office.
“Here in Michigan, we’re connecting our kids with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive whether they’re in pre-K or senior year,” said Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign my seventh balanced, bipartisan budget that continues free school meals for all, so Michigan kids and families can focus on learning. We’ve included record per-student funding of more than $10,000 for every child in school, free pre-k and community college for all, and even more literacy support. We’re also supporting the teachers and schools who shape our kids by delivering attracting and retention bonuses, free training programs, and investments in our education campuses. Together, we’re setting our kids up for a brighter future that starts in Michigan.”
Here’s what the $24.1 billion school aid budget supports:
Free school meals
The 1.4 million students at Michigan’s public schools will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch for all, regardless of income, thanks to $248.1 million. This will help families save nearly $1,000 per year.
Per-pupil funding
A record $593.5 million will support a 4.6% increase in base per-pupil funding, which is equal to an extra $442 per student, for a total of $10,050 per pupil, according to Whitmer’s office.
This increase will bring more resources, like books, pencils, paper, and electronics, to Michigan classrooms.
Literacy support funding
To ensure every kid can read, $122 million will support increasing literacy rates in Michigan. Whitmer has done this so far through implementing reading curricula backed by science, increasing literacy coaches in schools and more.
Free pre-K
As part of this year’s budget, $657 million will support expanding free pre-K to every 4-year-old in the state. In addition, $25 million will go to the Strong Beginnings preschool program that supports 3-year-olds.
Community college funding
The state’s 28 community colleges will get $375 million to support associate degrees, transfer pathways and skilled trades training.
The budget also supports multiple programs that help students get bachelor’s, associate’s and skills degrees.
Educator stipend program
An educator stipend program that helps recruit and retain educators will get $203 million in funding.
Whitmer’s office also said funding will go toward the following:
- $321 million in total funding to support student mental health and school safety needs.
- $274 million to provide a 25% increase in funding to support academically at-risk students, English language learners, career and technical education students, and students in rural school districts.
- $190.9 million to continue expanded support for special education services, a 9.4% increase in the state allocation from adjusted current law levels.
- $142 million for career and technical education operations, including $70 million to support the expansion and creation of programs in underserved areas.
- $125 million to continue support to districts for school transportation.
- $75 million to support students and parents through before and after-school programming.
- $6.1 million for partnership district support, providing oversight and assistance to schools and districts.