The State of Michigan is making an unprecedented investment in student safety and mental health. Through the 2025–2026 Section 31aa allocation of the School Aid Act, over $321 million is available to help K–12 districts improve threat prevention, strengthen well-being, and modernize emergency response systems.
But with significant funding comes responsibility and complex compliance rules. Understanding the requirements, timelines, and allowable uses of Section 31aa is essential for every school district leader in Michigan.
Our new Michigan 31aa Funding Guide is your complete roadmap to unlocking these funds, staying compliant, and maximizing impact. This blog highlights what’s inside and why now is the time to prepare.
Download the full Michigan 31aa Funding Guide for step-by-step instructions, planning checklists, and funding alignment tools.
What Is Section 31aa Funding in Michigan?
Section 31aa of the Michigan School Aid Act (MCL 388.1631aa) was created to address urgent school needs—from mental health support to school safety technology. The law is designed to help districts implement evidence-based programs that reduce risks and improve student outcomes.
In FY2025–26, Section 31aa funds will be distributed in three ways:
- Subsection 2 (Per-Pupil Allocations): All eligible districts receive funding by opting in during the designated window. This is a non-competitive process.
- Subsections 4 & 5 (Competitive Grants): Separate applications for targeted safety and mental health initiatives, expected to open in early 2026.
- Collaborative Support Funding: For regional partnerships and shared safety infrastructure projects.
Allowable uses include:
- Behavioral threat assessment systems
- Mental health professionals and training
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs
- Emergency response software and infrastructure
- Suicide prevention and tip lines
- School safety and security assessments
Key Dates and Step-by-Step Planning Guide
Here’s a quick look at the timeline for Section 31aa(2) per-pupil funds:
- Opt-in window: October 24–November 30, 2025
- To avoid delays due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Navigate360 recommends opting-in no later than November 17
- Funds disbursed: No later than December 31, 2025
- Expense report due: July 1, 2026
- Final spending deadline: September 30, 2026 (extension possible with a request)
Step-by-Step Planning
- Understand the Rules & Confirm Eligibility
Review the Section 31aa law and opt-in instructions. Be sure your district qualifies and knows what’s allowed. - Set Up Platform Access
Use MiLogin for Business to access GEMS/MARS (for Subsection 2) and NexSys (for competitive grants). - Opt In Before the Deadline
Use GEMS/MARS to complete the opt-in process. Missing the window means your district forfeits funds. - Build Your Plan with Navigate360
Align each expenditure with a specific allowable use. Document outcomes like improved safety readiness or student support.
Competitive grants (Subsections 4 & 5) are expected to open in early 2026, with spending extended through September 30, 2027.
How Navigate360 Supports Michigan Schools
Funding Alignment & Compliance
Navigate360 solutions align directly with approved Section 31aa uses. Whether it’s ALICE training, threat assessment systems, or mental health curriculum, every product is tied to a clear, eligible funding category.
Our platform also includes:
- Built-in reporting dashboards
- Case tracking and documentation tools
- Certificates of training completion
- Data exports for MDE and audits
We make compliance seamless — and visible.
End-to-End Support for Schools
From the moment you opt in to the day you submit your expense report, Navigate360 is your partner in execution. We help:
- Centralize safety and well-being data
- Integrate systems across buildings
- Streamline onboarding and implementation
- Prepare reports for submission and audit
How Navigate360 Solutions Align with 31aa Priority Areas
Mental Health
Solutions: SSIS Assessment, Compass Curriculum, Behavioral Case Manager, Student Well-Being Library, Suicide Awareness & Prevention Training
Outcomes: Early screening, trauma-informed instruction, mental health literacy, data-informed decisions
Behavioral Health
Solutions: PBIS Rewards, Behavior Intervention Curriculum, Behavioral Referral System, Behavioral Case Manager
Outcomes: Equitable support, fewer suspensions, more instructional time, consistent documentation of interventions
Emergency Management
Solutions: Campus360, ALICE Training, Emergency Operations Planning (EOP) Tools, HallPass360 Visitor & Volunteer Management
Outcomes: Safer drills, faster communication, improved coordination with first responders, secure building access
Threat Assessment
Solutions: Behavioral Case Manager, NTAC or CSTAG Threat Assessment Training, Student Well-Being Library, Anonymous Reporting System
Outcomes: Early intervention, crisis prevention, compliance with BTAM protocols, proactive threat identification
Safety & Security Assessments
Solution: Navigate360 Safety & Security Audit
Outcomes: Clear documentation, facilities readiness, defensible policies, risk mitigation
Download our Complete Guide to 31aa Funding to see a full breakdown of this.
Simplifying Compliance & Reporting
Under Section 31aa, districts must document how every dollar supports student safety, mental health, or emergency preparedness. This includes:
- Budget alignment to allowable categories
- Tracking staff training and certifications
- Submitting detailed reports by July 1, 2026
Navigate360 eliminates guesswork with:
- Real-time dashboards
- Exportable audit logs
- Cross-functional data integration
- Single-vendor accountability
Turning Funding into Lasting Impact
Section 31aa isn’t just a grant—it’s a moment to reimagine how your district protects and supports students. With Navigate360, your district gains:
- Cost efficiency: One partner, one platform, fewer contracts
- Scalability: Built to support multi-school implementations
- Clarity: Easy tracking, documentation, and outcomes reporting
- Confidence: Every dollar aligned, every effort measured
This is more than compliance—it’s transformation. Let’s do it together.
Proven Results: The Navigate360 Impact
Our solutions are trusted nationwide, delivering data-driven improvements in safety and student outcomes:
- 40,000+ threat assessments conducted
- 18,000+ suicide assessments completed
- 100+ potential incidents prevented per 1,000 students
- 19 school shootings averted through tip-line alerts
- 35% reduction in suspensions
- 75,000+ bullying incidents addressed
- ~42% average savings on safety and behavior systems
Take the Next Step: Access the Michigan 31aa Funding Guide
Want help navigating compliance, documentation, and allowable expenditures? Our free Michigan 31aa Funding Guide walks you through the process and equips you to turn opportunity into real change. This isn’t just funding. It’s Michigan’s mission. And Navigate360 is with you—every second, every student, every school.
