By Shelby Stewart-Soldan
Staff Writer
Brandon — During the regular Monday night meeting, the Brandon board of education voted unanimously to approve a personal finance course as a graduation requirement starting with the class of 2027. The requirement follows legislation that was signed in June of 2022 that requires a half-credit personal finance course be included as a high school graduation requirements, starting with the class of 2028.
“This course requirement can be used to complete the graduation requirements for a student in various areas, such as a half credit of the four credit math requirement, the two credit language requirement for a language other than English, a half of a credit in visual, performing, or applied arts as well as an approved CTE program,” said director of curriculum and instruction Carly Stone in a letter to the board. “We strongly believe that financial literacy is an integral part to a student’s success both inside and very significant outside of the school.”
The bill was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last June, and will be required for all students in the state starting with the students who are eight graders this school year.
“As a mom, I want every kid who graduates in Michigan to enter the world with a diverse set of skills and knowledge, and that must include financial literacy,” said Whitmer.
Because the district already offers a personal finance course as an elective, so the district will begin requiring it for students who are currently freshmen as a graduation requirement.
“We look forward to strengthening this courses’ design to provide students with a rich understanding of personal finance, by utilizing come creative resources, prior to graduation and expanding its impact to all students,” said Stone. “Our Brandon teachers are excited about this opportunity and are looking forward to its implementation.”