HOUGHTON — After the recent uncertainty of school meals and programs being funded for Houghton Portage Township Schools (HPTS) due to the state budget being negotiated in Lansing, the district can now breathe a sigh of relief after the passing of the budget. Backup plans will not need to be relied upon and funding to HPTS will continue as normal, though there may be some increases to certain areas in the future.

Superintendent Anders Hill said he is happy the state has a budget that is favorable for the school’s students. The budget increased 4.6 percent per pupil funding along with the continuing of free breakfast and lunch for students.

“We’re very happy for our families and our students that we continue to offer a free breakfast and lunch,” he said. “And we see this as a really positive thing for kids and our families. And I think this was a wise investment in our students.” Hill added the overall 4.6 percent increase per pupil allowance is helpful because the cost of doing business and educating students has gone up considerably in the last 10 years, which will continue to rise.

Hill said there was also increases in risk funding for at risk students and increases in safety and mental health funding.

“Safety mental health funding allows us to continue to fund school resource officers, school social workers, provide mental health counseling to students and programming, and it’s definitely a good thing for our students in our district,” he said.

Hill anticipates the state aid payment in October will go out at the normal time and school will continue as normal.