Michigan districts this week are notifying parents about a data breach from a prominent education software company in December. Many are still trying to figure out what comes next.
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 inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan 'lifelong education' department turns 1, touting growth in free pre-K, college
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has pushed for expanded pre-K access and more adults with college degrees. Her new department sees signs of success.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan bill would require filling out FAFSA or 'opt-out' form to graduate
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unlocks grants and student loans. Michigan leaders are split on whether requiring students to fill out the form to graduate is a good idea.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan Democrats advance mandatory kindergarten bill
Michigan Democrats have advanced a bill that would require students to attend kindergarten. It’s unclear how many students are not attending kindergarten right now.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan school district uses gas cards, camp trips to boost graduation rates
Weekend camps, home visits and flexible transportation options make up some of the ways Lansing School District is aiming to improve its graduation rates.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
U-M regent’s home vandalized, 'Free Palestine' spray-painted on wife's car
A University of Michigan regent’s house window was broken and his wife’s car was vandalized Monday morning. He called the acts anti-Semitic.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Facing DEI scrutiny, University of Michigan abandons ‘diversity statements’ in hiring
In a political atmosphere where diversity, equity and inclusion programs are facing new scrutiny, U-M will no longer ask job applicants how they would contribute to those efforts.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
FAFSA is live for 2025: Five things to know about Michigan college costs
This free form has the ability to unlock thousands of dollars to help students attend college.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan is spending big to hire and retain teachers. Experts see positive signs
Want to be a teacher? Michigan wants you. Here’s what to know about state programs to grow the education workforce.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Donald Trump wants to expand school choice. In Michigan, 1 in 4 participate
The president-elect’s choice for education secretary is a big choice advocate. In Michigan, one quarter of the state’s 1.37 million public students attend a charter or school outside their district.
