Impact Aid will continue
Congressman Jack Bergman reassured local school leaders last week that the federal Impact Aid, for local schools will continue.
Bergman was in Lake Leelanau Monday as the keynote speaker for the VFW Post #7731 annual Memorial Day ceremony.
“Impact Aid is a big deal. It’s a large portion of the budget in these schools,” Bergman said. “The short answer is we are working on it, but I expect it to continue.”
Bergman confirmed he has recently met with local school administrators and teachers regarding the matter.
Bergman said the federal government is not closing the Department of Education entirely but greatly reducing it. He also emphasized the need for the State of Michigan to educate its residents.
In terms of funding for special needs, Bergman states that it will stay with the federal government.
“Congressman Bergman‘s support of Federal Impact Aid provides us reassurance as we try to navigate a really tricky time in our budgeting process given the uncertainty about the federal budget,” Leland Superintendent Stephanie Long said. “We work really hard on building a mutually respectful relationship with him and rely on his support.”
Over 30 superintendents from northern Michigan have gathered to discuss federal funding and its impact on schools in recent months. With Title IX funding, Medicaid reimbursements, and school meals, all of which have direct impacts on programs and services, being discussed for cuts. We will continue to advocate with him on behalf of these programs as well. It’s up to us to educate him and all of our representatives in Washington about the necessity of these federal programs and their impact on our students right here in Leelanau County,” Long said.
Regardless, Leland will not be including the $1 million in Impact Aid budgeted as revenue in the 2025-26 budget.
Glen Lake and Leland are among school districts nationwide which receive Impact Aid as compensation for property tax revenue lost with creation of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Glen Lake Superintendent Jason Misner also threw his support behind continued Impact Aid, as the school, located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, received over $3 million in federal Impact Aid last year.
“I/we would like to thank Congressman Bergman for his continued support of the Impact Aid Program. We do meet with him several times a year regarding Impact Aid, and he clearly understands the importance of this revenue that is owed to school districts from the federal government.
“ The federal budget process/ cycle seems to be very challenging in DC currently, and we rely on his advocacy for the program. We look forward to Congressman Bergman’s continued advocacy for Impact Aid in the federal budgeting process. It has such a large impact on children and families in his district.”
Suttons Bay receives Impact Aid from another pot, to compensate for property taken off the tax rolls with creation of the Grand Traverse Band Reservation, included in the school district. Superintendent Casey Petz said says the school is currently working through the budget process for next year and is counting on $350,000 of Impact Aid.
“We believe in him as his track record on this program is unwavering,” Petz said. “We thank Representative Bergman for his advocacy on behalf of our students in our district and all around Leelanau County.”
