In this episode of Field Notes, Executive Director Abby Cypher sits down with former State Representative, Sheryl Kennedy, to explore the complex journey of the Michigan State School Aid Budget. They discuss what it means for schools to navigate the revenue reality as Sheryl, who has seen the budget process from every side (teacher, principal, legislator, and MDE staff), walks through this year’s timeline, from the Governor’s February proposal to the final October signature.

The conversation goes deeper, addressing the real-world impact of delays, the difference between per pupil funding and categoricals (like funding for special education), and the challenges when budgets are rushed. Sheryl and Abby use concrete examples, including the need to protect funding for Project SEARCH, to highlight why partnership and advocacy within the process matters. This episode is a call to action for every special education leader to become an informed advocate, ensuring that decisions made in Lansing truly advance meaningful outcomes for Michigan students and schools.