(LANSING) – Schools in Michigan now know how much money they will receive in the upcoming school year.

On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the School Aid Budget into law. She did it surrounded by students, educators and school administrators at Kentwood Public Schools.

The signing of House Bill 4411 marks a historical moment for the State by reaching the goal of eliminating the funding gap between districts at the minimum and maximum foundation allowances. Those were set forth by Proposal A of 1994. The Bill finalizes the fiscal year 2022 School Aid budget, which totals $17.1 billion, and includes $85.4 million from the State's General Fund. It also provides cost adjustments and supplemental funding for the current 2021 year.

The Budget includes $723 million to eliminate the gap between the minimum and maximum foundation allowance by setting both at $8,700 per pupil. That's an increase of $589 per pupil from the current year minimum amount and an increase of $171 per pupil from the current year target amount. In addition, intermediate school districts receive a 4 percent operational funding increase.

Whitmer says as we look to the 2021-22 school year and beyond, we know that every student deserves to be funded at the same level to ensure an equal opportunity to succeed. She says she is proud to say they are able to do that with this School Aid Budget. Whitmer says the funding provided to Michigan schools marks the end of a 27 year journey to close the gap between the districts.

She says this equalized funding will improve the quality of educational opportunities for schools and students across the state and set a solid foundation for which to build on for the future.