Michigan schools are still secluding and restraining students, mostly those with disabilities, at high numbers despite a 2016 law designed to limit the controversial practice. One special education school is beginning to police itself.
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 eyes extended Reconnect eligibility for tuition-free college
Michigan has bet big on tuition-free community college for some adults. As federal pandemic funds expire, a state leader says the state is looking for ways to extend expanded eligibility.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Whitmer touts free community college. It’s not true for all Michigan kids
A new Michigan program guarantees free community college – but only if you live in a community college district, and 1 in 5 students don’t.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan touts 'free pre-K for all.' It's more complicated than that
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan is providing ‘access to free pre-K for every 4-year-old.’ But less than half of eligible kids are expected to enroll.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Tiny Bois Blanc hires long-term substitute teacher for one-room schoolhouse
The tiny district has hired an island resident — who’s also a custodian and real estate agent — as its long-term substitute teacher. The district plans to use a ‘grow your own’ program to help her earn teaching credentials.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Wanted: Teacher on remote Michigan island. Can’t leave in winter without plane
On the four-student school on Bois Blanc Island, classes are set to resume soon. The one problem: There’s no teacher.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
One year later, Michigan starts helping teachers repay student loans
Michigan will help cover student loan payments for about 8,460 educators in the first round of a $250 million program. Many districts didn’t apply on behalf of their teachers, so only $17 million went out last month.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan school funding bump varies by district. See how much yours will get
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the new state budget will mean an average $400 per pupil increase for Michigan schools. Education leaders say it’s a little more complicated.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Free Michigan community college guarantee starts this fall. What to know
The cost of college can be a barrier for students to pursue higher education. A new Michigan program expands student access to tuition-free community college.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
School officials ‘appalled’ by Michigan budget cut to mental health, safety
Michigan’s new education budget includes $25 million in dedicated funding for student mental health and school safety — but that’s $301.5 million less than last year.
