Union and teachers urge Battle Creek Public Schools to release $538,000 in state educator funds now

Anthony Penock, speaking on behalf of the Battle Creek Education Association and allied associations, told the board that the district has been holding roughly $538,000 in Section 27l funds since December and asked the board to release those funds immediately to support educator retention and address day-to-day financial pressures.

Penock said the funds were designated by the state to “support educators and staff who serve our city's children beyond what we have already previously bargained,” and argued that withholding the funds until June risks prompting more staff to leave midyear. He noted the district is planning a retention payment scheduled for June and said the Section 27l money is intended to be additional to that payment.

Several classroom teachers reinforced the request. Sarah Cox, a music teacher at multiple BCPS schools, described rising costs for rent, groceries and health care and said receiving the 27l funds now would help educators budget and remain focused on students. "If we had the 27l money now... I would be able to budget better and worry less about being able to pay the necessities," she said.

Superintendent Dr. Carter and administration discussed the district’s rationale for timing and any planned disbursement during earlier meetings; at this work session administration did not announce a formal change in timing. Board members and staff asked questions during public comment and said they would take the concerns under advisement.

The petition to release Section 27l funds immediately was presented as public comment; the board did not take a formal vote at the work session on disbursing those funds.