Statewide, 63.8% of school bonds passed. Some districts that failed to get bonds passed in November also failed Tuesday.
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 Government
Michigan election Tuesday: school bonds, special Senate race. What to know
The May ballot includes a pivotal state Senate race and nearly three dozen school funding efforts.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan tests expanding free ‘pre-K for all’ to home child-care providers
A new program tests no-cost pre-K in home child care settings. Up until now, students had to attend a school or child care center to qualify for the free option.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools get creative, competitive, to curb high absenteeism
Michigan schools want to boost the number of students regularly showing up for class. Can competitions help boost attendance?
Posted inTalent & Education
Should Michigan follow Mississippi and retain 3rd graders to boost literacy?
As leaders discuss ways to improve Michigan test scores, the state of Mississippi repeatedly comes up. Mississippi’s former state literacy director shares ideas on what Michigan can do.
Posted inTalent & Education
As Michigan falls further behind, some ask: Time to overhaul high school?
With college readiness low and absenteeism high, education groups say Michigan is overdue for a change in high school graduation standards
Posted inTalent & Education
Four things Michiganders should know about federal student loan changes
Federal student loans are getting a shake up with new borrowing limits and repayment rules. Here’s what to know.
Posted inTalent & Education
US Education Secretary McMahon urges Whitmer to join schools tax credit plan
US Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Michigan should join 27 other states in a program that lets taxpayers pour money into scholarships for students to attend public or private schools.
Posted inTalent & Education
Bridge Listens: Can Michigan fix its education woes? What to know
Bridge readers say education is a huge concern. We break down the facts, the trends and possible solutions.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan lawmakers push reading training for future teachers to improve scores
Michigan lawmakers continue to discuss ways to address low student reading scores. One idea is to require more training before teachers begin working in the classroom.