LANSING, MI -- A team that includes aides to Gov. Rick Snyder is working to develop a lower-cost model for Michigan schools -- including a funding mechanism that resembles vouchers, according to a new published report.

The Detroit News reports today that the "secret work group" has a goal of creating a "value school" that costs $5,000 per child annually to operate, according to meeting minutes and reports obtained by the newspaper.

The report is renewing concerns among some that possibly significant changes to Michigan’s education system are being planned without much input from teachers, unions or other school groups.

John Austin, president of the State Board of Education and a Democrat, says the state should work with teachers and educators if the state is serious about improving education. The work should “not exclude the very people who are central to making innovation and change,” Austin said in an email to MLive.com Friday.

Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, the leader of Michigan’s Senate Democrats, says the report raises “serious questions.” David Hecker, president of Michigan's American Federation of Teachers union, said the report "indicates that Gov. Snyder and Lansing Republicans are now acting in secret to continue their work to undermine public education."

Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said the governor is not directly involved with the work group and that it’s “premature.” Wurfel added in an email to MLive.com that Snyder “does believe it's important to explore ways to help foster innovation in our education system and harness technology to help educate Michigan's children. We'll look forward to reviewing their ideas and work just like we have that of others.”

Wurfel noted other work including that of a public-private partnership that was the impetus for the state’s Pathways to Potential program, and work from The Center for Michigan and Business Leaders of Michigan – among others -- on education.

The Detroit News notes Snyder confirmed the existence of the work group, and told The News "there is not a specific outcome" in mind for the group’s work.

The newspaper reports the work group has received a grant from the Oxford Foundation.

The Oxford Foundation has been working on proposals that could dramatically affect finances and control of public K-12 schools, but it has not delivered a final report to Snyder.

Email Tim Martin at tmartin4@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TimMartinMI