This May, Governor Whitmer authorized funding from the Competitive School Safety Grant Program (CSSGP) to be dispersed among 150 public and nonpublic schools, three of which were Bay Mills charter schools. This decision comes at a key time in American educational history as breaches in school security have had brutal consequences. As a result, these grants are intended for buying equipment and technology to improve the safety and security of school campuses and everyone inside.
“Michigan’s students and educators deserve to feel safe in school,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that this state-funded grant program helps schools make improvements to help keep students and educators safe by funding more secure learning environments. In my budget proposal for next school year, I’ve proposed $66 million in school safety grants, which is equal to the total amount distributed since 2015. With this historic proposal and my larger education budget, which includes resources to improve every kid’s in-class experience, build and renovate school facilities, and retain and recruit more teachers, we will invest in every school and every district across Michigan.”
Bay Mills Schools recipients were Arbor Preparatory High School in Ypsilanti, receiving $9,954; Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights, receiving $112,238; and Wellspring Preparatory High School in Grand Rapids, receiving $7,460.
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The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) received funds from the United States Department of Education through the Charter School Program Grant (CSP Grant) to support opening, expanding, or replicating high quality charter schools from 2018-2023. Intended for the expansion of school offerings, the funding is geared towards creating better opportunities for students in underserved communities to meet high academic standards and receive financial assistance for steps leading up to those results. Several Bay Mills schools received the grants including Oakside Prep Academy in Waterford, Star International Academy in Canton, and Frontier International Academy in Detroit.
Oakside Prep Academy utilized the grant for the purpose of expanding 9th grade with furniture and technology for students and teachers. The funds were invested into classrooms, art and music rooms, as well as math tools like graphing calculators and musical instruments. Because of the CSP grant, Oakside Prep started their expansion project right away and as a result, were able to navigate pandemic-era teaching solutions easier with the technology they were able to purchase.
The CSP grant will also be used for the 10th grade expansion in the 2022-2023 school year. Specifically, Oakside Prep is looking to purchase classroom furniture, technology, teacher furniture and technology, graphic calculators, physical education equipment, art supplies, science supples, English curricular tools, and seating and books for special education.
At Star International Academy, the CSP Grant made their new Canton branch a reality. The new school has consistently welcomed new families throughout the 2021-2022 school year and has earned a reputation for creating a lively space for students to thrive.
Because of the CSP Grant, Star International has been able to establish student-focused programs that further align with the school’s mission, and as a result, they have seen the positive impact it has had on student engagement, culture, and curriculum development. The grant has helped Star International furnish and fill 21 classrooms, establish their music program, middle school band, K-8 visual arts course, and computer lab, purchase classroom manipulative and supplemental curricular resources, and expand their foreign language program for students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade. Star International also used the grant to buttress their sports offerings with athletic equipment that meets league requirements, thus giving their students the opportunity to play competitive sports. Classroom assessment data from Star International has shown how good access to learning materials, supplemental resources, and equitable learning practices positively impact their students.
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Shelving, printers, desks, and chairs purchased by Frontier International Academy (FIA). Pictures courtesy of FIA. |
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Frontier International Academy (FIA) was also awarded the CSP Grant and immediately used it to add elementary (K-5) classes to the academy. FIA purchased furniture for K-5 classrooms as well as bulletin boards, white boards, and display cases for the hallways. In regards to curriculum, FIA purchased two-year online licenses, student workbooks, and supplemental curriculum like ESL programs. FIA also purchased Chromebooks and charging carts for each classroom, teacher desktop computers, document cameras, and gym supplies for the K-5 students.
The following year, FIA purchased lunchroom tables, Lego robotics kits, library furniture and books, as well as two buses for K-5 students. FIA also used the funds to invest into their staff, providing professional development for new and veteran teachers through Champs training, Positive Action, and MDE charter school training.
These stories showcase the possibilities than can be accomplished through the CSP grant. Each school expresses their heartfelt gratefulness as they witnessed the improvement it brought to the quality of their schools and the performance of their students.
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About Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools |
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Bay Mills Community College began authorizing charter schools in the year 2000 and now authorizes 46 schools serving approximately 23,660 students.
Our Mission: To ensure a quality education for urban, minority, and/or poor children by improving and expanding educational opportunities through innovative oversight methods. To provide academy boards with the necessary support and training so that they may make educated decisions that are in the best interest of the students that attend their academies.
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