Michigan voters can head to the polls Tuesday to decide local races and ballot proposals. Here’s what to know about the issues and election laws.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Democrats, Republicans swap blame on schools after Bridge report
Michigan’s reading scores have dropped to crisis levels in the past 10 years. Republicans blame Democrats for repealing reforms; Democrats say their new strategies need time to work.
Posted inTalent & Education
Here’s how governor candidates say they’d fix Michigan education
Tougher graduation requirements, more teacher training on literacy and more school choice are among the ideas candidates are pitching to improve Michigan K-12 education.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools on hiring spree. Can it reverse ‘Titanic’ learning losses?
Michigan has 21,000 more teacher aides than a decade ago helping a shrinking population of schoolkids. Hiring more adults has yet to reverse learning skids, but one lawmaker likens it to turning around the Titanic.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan spent big to fix schools. The result: Worse scores and plenty of blame
Ten years ago, Michigan vowed to become a Top 10 state for education. Since then, it’s outspent many other states and seen diminishing returns amid a revolving door of reforms.
Posted inTalent & Education
Mississippi turned around its schools. Its secret: Tools Michigan abandoned
Once at the bottom, Mississippi has made massive strides teaching children to read. They’ve got literacy coaches, a high-stakes third grade test and lots of teacher training. What can Michigan learn from the Magnolia state?
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan State agrees to pay nearly $30 million to shooting survivors
Lawyers for three victims of the 2023 MSU campus shooting have announced settlements with the university.
Posted inTalent & Education
As Michigan scores fall, state superintendent blames local control ‘run amok’
Michigan lawmakers are questioning if the state is doing enough to ensure students are reading on grade level. State Superintendent Michael Rice says changes from two laws passed last year will help.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan school districts are shrinking. None want to consolidate. Why not?
In Michigan, birth rates are declining and schools of choice options are increasing. School district leaders say they are trying to attract more students. But consolidation remains unpopular.
Posted inTalent & Education
Tax the rich to pay for schools? Michigan voters may get chance in 2026
Education advocates want voters to decide whether those making $500,000 or more should pay more in taxes to help schools. A ballot measure would go on the gubernatorial ballot.