LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan superintendents are sounding the alarm about starting school without knowing how much funding they will receive from the state.

For the first time in a decade, no state K-12 budget was in place in July, when districts’ fiscal years begin. The deadline for the state budget is Oct. 1.

Superintendents said Tuesday that they have been thrown in a state of uncertainty, and they are having trouble making hiring decisions when more kids enroll than expected.

The budget is being held up largely over Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s push for a tax increase to fix the roads. She also is seeking the largest increase in classroom spending in 18 years.

Republicans also back a funding boost for schools, though a smaller amount than what Whitmer wants.