If there is a shutdown, “the shorter the better” for Michigan schools, said Craig Thiel, research director at the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council. State payments loomThe state budget funds schools on a per-pupil basis — $9,608 this year. “In a shutdown, no state school aid flows,” the Michigan Department of Education warned in a Sept. 2 memo. The uncertainty is prompting moves from educators that could have a lasting impact on the financial health of some Michigan school districts, including high-interest loans and delayed hiring decisions. Backed by Whitmer, Michigan’s universal free meals program covers costs for students who do not otherwise qualify for free meals through federal programs because their families earn too much money.