📊 Clare-Gladwin Area School Funding Snapshot (2024–2025)
Welcome! This page is here to help you — our community members — understand how the State of Michigan is supporting our local schools with state aid this year. We’ve simplified a complex report so you can see how your tax dollars are making a difference in education right here in Clare and Gladwin counties.
💡 What Is This About?
Each year, the State of Michigan releases a report showing how much funding is going to local school districts. This funding supports everything from teachers and classrooms to special education, mental health support, career training, and even school meals.
This year’s report (for 2024–2025) covers:
✅ The Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District (ISD 18)
✅ Five local districts:
- Clare Public Schools
- Farwell Area Schools
- Harrison Community Schools
- Beaverton Schools
- Gladwin Community Schools
🏫 Where the Money Goes
Michigan divides school funding into categories. Each category has a purpose — here’s what they mean in plain English:
1. 🧮 Foundation Grants (Sections 20, 22a, 22b)
These are the core funds for schools, based on student enrollment.
📍 Example: Clare Public Schools receives over $12 million in core and discretionary funds.
2. ♿ Special Education (51a, 51c, 51e)
Helps cover extra costs for students with disabilities — like aides, therapy, and transportation.
📍 Example: Farwell Schools receives $373,000+ for special education services.
3. 📘 At-Risk Student Support (31a)
Funds support for students facing academic or financial challenges — including tutoring, counseling, and extra help.
📍 Example: Harrison Community Schools receives over $1.6 million.
4. 🧒 Early Childhood & Literacy (32d, 32p, 35a)
Supports programs like preschool (Great Start Readiness Program) and reading support for young learners.
📍 Example: The ISD receives $3.2 million for preschool programs.
5. 🧠 Mental Health Services (31aa, 31n)
Funds for school counselors, therapists, and mental wellness programs.
📍 Example: Gladwin Community Schools gets $186,000+ for mental health.
6. 🛠️ Career & Technical Education (CTE – 61a, 61d)
Supports hands-on training, trade programs, and early college pathways.
📍 Example: The ISD receives $136,562.80 for CTE programs.
7. 👩🏫 Staff Pensions (MPSERS – 147a, 147c, etc.)
Helps cover pension and healthcare costs for school employees.
📍 Example: Beaverton receives $555,709.97 to stabilize retirement costs.
8. 🍎 School Meals (31d, 30d)
Supports free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs.
📍 Example: Gladwin Community Schools receives $41,595.78 for meals.
9. 🚍 Other Support (Transportation, Rural Access, etc.)
Additional funding for unique district needs like remote access, robotics, and even hygiene products.
📍 Example: Harrison gets $73,220.73 for being a rural, isolated district.
📊 Total Funding Breakdown (Current Year)
| District / ISD | Total State Aid 💰 |
|---|---|
| Clare Public Schools | $17,072,114.78 |
| Gladwin Community Schools | $14,388,445.37 |
| Harrison Community Schools | $10,712,780.38 |
| Beaverton Schools | $8,491,393.95 |
| Farwell Area Schools | $7,975,545.65 |
| Clare-Gladwin ISD (Regional) | $12,687,188.79 |
| Total for Region | $71,327,468.92 |
👉 These numbers reflect funding for programs, student services, and district needs — all backed by your state and local taxes.
📅 When Do Schools Get Paid?
State aid is distributed in monthly payments from October through August.
Latest Payment (August 20, 2025):
- Clare ISD: $1,162,831.58
- Clare Public: $1,579,485.56
- Farwell: $740,686.73
- Harrison: $991,156.18
- Beaverton: $775,711.46
- Gladwin: $1,343,017.84
👩👧 Why This Matters to You
You support your local schools through property taxes and state taxes. This report shows:
✅ Where your money goes
✅ Which schools receive funding
✅ How students benefit — through meals, preschool, special education, counseling, and more
📈 Local Factors That Impact Funding
Two big things affect how much state funding a school gets:
- Student Enrollment: More students = more funding. A three-year average helps smooth out changes.
- Property Tax Revenue: Districts with higher tax values contribute more locally, so they may receive less state aid.
📝 Fixing Past Mistakes (Adjustments)
If too much or too little funding was given in the past, the state adjusts it. For example:
- Clare ISD had a $225,552 adjustment for preschool startup grants.
- Clare Public Schools had a $78,476 increase to correct past calculations.
📂 Want to See the Full Report?
You can download the official report here (PDF):
🔗 Download the 2024-2025 State Aid Report
🛠️ How Could This Be Better?
Here are a few ways the state could make this easier for everyone:
- Replace confusing codes with plain-language titles
- Include one-page summaries for each district
- Use more charts and visuals
- Explain how funding is calculated
- Offer community info sessions to explain the data