In 1973, in a signing ceremony to reduce the inequalities how Michigan schools were funded, then-Governor William G. Milliken remarked that “It is wrong that the wealth of a school district should affect … the quality of education a child receives.” Thirty-three years later, too many of our rural school districts still face blatant geographic discrimination, underfunded by up to $5,000 per pupil compared to wealthier suburban districts. The result is that while districts in Northern Michigan are closing schools and laying off teachers while trying to reduce growing deficits, students in Bloomfield Hills can take advantage an independent study course in “Wilderness Trekking.”

This is simply unfair. To compete in the 21st Century, we need to ensure that every Michigan child receives a world-class education, whether they attend school in Bloomfield Hills or Benzie County. It’s gotten to the point that the Oakland County Press, whose schools get more supplemental funding than any other county in the state, is writing editorials on the unfairness of this discrimination.

Fortunately, things are starting to change. A new organization called Citizens For Equity has started to turn a spotlight on the issue, and local voices are starting to be heard in the news media (check out Glen Lake School Board member Jeff Smith’s excellent OpEd in the Detroit Free Press).

The case for local schools could not be any clearer, and we need to ensure that every single Northern Michigan representative is standing up for equity in educational funding. While public school finance issues are notoriously complex, the fairness issues in this case couldn’t be simpler. And for our local office holders, the choice is just as clear: you either represent the people of Northwest Michigan or you represent the Lansing status quo. Our children deserve better. We can’t afford less.