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RISE: The MI Blueprint Implementation Update

July 2026

RISE is a statewide coalition working to support full implementation of the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint. This newsletter provides regular updates on progress, context, and opportunities to stay engaged.

Major Victory: Weighted Student Funding Advances in the FY27 Budget

Michigan has taken an important step toward changing how the state funds special education.

The final Fiscal Year 2027 School Aid budget includes intent language advancing a weighted student funding formula for students with disabilities. This is a significant development because it moves Michigan closer to a system where funding reflects student need, rather than relying on the same flat reimbursement rate for every district.

The language does not yet fund or fully implement the MI Blueprint model, but it establishes a clear path forward. It also reflects the continued advocacy of families, educators, advocates, and RISE partners across the state.

See Sec. 51i on page 306 of the FY 2026-27 School Aid Budget.

What is Weighted Student Funding?

Weighted student funding provides additional resources based on student need.

The MI Blueprint recommends a four-tier funding model. Each tier reflects different levels of service intensity and cost, with greater funding provided as student needs become more complex.

This approach would make funding more predictable, more transparent, and better aligned with what schools need to support students with disabilities.

Say Thank You

The inclusion of weighted student funding language in the FY27 budget is an important milestone.

Take a moment to thank lawmakers and state leaders for advancing this work and encourage them to continue moving toward full implementation of the MI Blueprint.

Click the link below to send a thank-you message.

Send a Thank You Message

Our Voices

Behind every policy decision is a student, family, educator, or advocate working to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need. Visit Our Kids Can’t Wait on Medium to read and share these stories.

What My Son's IEP Delay Revealed About Michigan's Special Education System
By Vilma Duran
You can also read Vilma's story on The Skillman Foundation's Rose for Detroit Blog

Do you have a story about navigating special education in Michigan as a parent, educator, student, or advocate?

RISE is looking for voices from across the state to help show why special education funding reform matters. Selected stories will be featured on Our Kids Can’t Wait.

Interested in sharing your story? Click below.

Share Your Story

Help Spread the Word

The FY27 budget marks an important step toward needs-based special education funding. You can help build on this momentum by sharing key messages and updates with your networks.

Suggested Talking Points

Weighted student funding is now part of the FY27 budget conversation. The final budget includes intent language advancing a weighted student funding formula for special education.

Funding should reflect student need. The MI Blueprint recommends a four-tier model that provides greater resources as student needs become more intensive.

This is progress, not the finish line. The budget language creates a path forward, but Michigan must still fund and implement the full MI Blueprint.

Sample Social Media Posts

Sample Post 1: A major step forward for Michigan students with disabilities: The FY27 School Aid budget includes intent language advancing a weighted student funding formula for special education. Funding should reflect student need. Now Michigan must turn intent into implementation.

Sample Post 2: Students with greater needs should receive greater resources. The MI Blueprint’s four-tier weighted student funding model offers Michigan a smarter, more predictable way to fund special education. The FY27 budget moves that work forward.

Suggested Hashtags: #MIBlueprint #SpecialEducation #MIeducation #PublicEducation

Stay Connected

RISE will continue providing updates on implementation efforts, legislative developments, coalition growth, and opportunities to stay engaged.

Share this newsletter and invite others to join.

About RISE

RISE (Reimagine Improved Special Education) is a statewide coalition working to advance full implementation of the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint (MI Blueprint). RISE supports a modern, predictable, and student-centered special education funding system that strengthens public education and ensures every Michigan student has access to the support they need to thrive.

For more information about RISE and the MI Blueprint, click here.

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