Professional Services
Nearly $25 million in grant funding has been awarded to 195 school districts, intermediate school districts, and public-school academies to support hiring 195 School Resource Officers (SROs) in Michigan for the next three years.
“Every parent wants their kids to be safe at school,” said Governor Gretcher Whitmer. “These grants will help us hire almost 200 more School Resource Officers so we can make sure our children, teacher, and staff are safe at school. Let’s keep working together to make record investments in our students and improve their classroom experience, build up school infrastructure, hire excellent educators, and invest in their comprehensive well-being, from mental health to safety.”
More than 334,000 Michigan students will benefit from improved safety and security provided by these Law Enforcement Officers.
The grants were awarded by a panel consisting of representatives from education and policing. They gave priority to schools and school districts lacking a School Resource Officer and schools from more communities with lower student enrollment and less total per pupil funding. These funds administered by the Michigan State Police (MSP), Grants and Community Services Division, may be used to support salaries, benefits and training for SROs. Each applicant jurisdiction is required to provide a 50 percent match.
“These grant awards will not only help to provide better safety in our school buildings by increasing the number of schools throughout the state with at least one SRO, but very importantly, by prioritizing smaller schools in more remote areas, we will reduce the time it takes for a police response in the event of an emergency,” said MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper.
In June, Gov. Whitmer signed legislation that fully funds risk assessments and critical incidence mapping at every school in the state to help protect students and create safety plans in the event of an emergency.
In an effort to support the dedicated men and women in public service careers, Cleary University is offering the Courage and Public Service Scholarship, an exclusive tuition scholarship program to attain undergraduate and graduate degrees quickly and affordably.
The 50 percent tuition scholarship is open to public service, civic and municipal employees, education professionals, first responders and emergency personnel.
Cleary offers online and in-person flexible evening classes, accepts up to 90 transfer credits and even grants credits for work experience and certifications. Complete your degree in a year or two at half the cost.
Cleary University has campuses in two convenient locations: Detroit and Howell.
Michigan residents ages 25 and up can qualify to attend their in-district community college to earn an associate degree tuition-free under the new Michigan Reconnect program.
The program is open to residents who have not yet completed an associate or bachelor's degree. Michigan Reconnect also provides free tuition for those ages 25 and up seeking a Pell-eligible skill certificate.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, applicants must also have lived in Michigan a year or longer and have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore to get started.
If you attend a college in a district where you don’t live, Michigan Reconnect only pays the in-district part of the tuition and the student will need to pay the remaining balance.
Click here for more information and to apply for Michigan Reconnect.
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By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
While some people are concerned about what they post, text and otherwise share online, just as many view this as their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. No matter your view on the subject, legal advisors for MAP are urging members to think twice before posting or texting anything sexual, racial or even political.
“You have a First Amendment right to say whatever you want to, but you don’t have a constitutional right to your job,” said MAP Legal Counsel Catherine Farrell.
Public Employees should understand specific restrictions detailed in their contracts. “Look to the CBA to make sure you don’t violate it,” said Farmington Hills Attorney Arthur J. Weiss, who joined Farrell in a Social Media discussion with Union members during the MAP Annual Open House in December.