Mothers groups are becoming more involved, and the GOP says polling suggests dissatisfaction with schools is becoming a winning issue among voters.
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
Culture wars divide Michigan schools. How many rights should parents have?
From debates about finances and transparency to race and gender, Michigan parents are demanding more input in what kids learn and read. But some say they’ve taken the fight too far.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan LGBTQ teacher videos will stay despite outcry from GOP and Whitmer
Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice won’t remove training videos on making schools safe for LGBTQ students. Rice said there are times when it is not appropriate to tell parents when a student comes out about their gender identity.
Posted inTalent & Education
Confused about the Michigan State president controversy? Read this.
Since Sunday, there’s been chaos in East Lansing over the status of MSU President Samuel Stanley Jr. We break down the issues that have some trustees wanting Stanley gone. Less clear is whether his critics hold a majority view on the board.
Posted inTalent & Education
A third Michigan State University president is now on the hotseat
President Samuel Stanley Jr., reportedly faces a resign-or-be-fired demand from the university board. Faculty leaders plan to meet Tuesday and speak with Stanley. But the board chair said Monday that removing Stanley would be ‘misguided.’
Posted inTalent & Education
Eastern Michigan University, faculty union reach deal to end strike
The tentative agreement put faculty back in the classroom Monday after the work action disrupted classes last week.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
After abortion, sex education may be Michigan’s next cultural battleground
Michigan doesn’t require sex ed, so what is taught — and what isn’t — can vary sharply by local school district. Advocates say uncertainty around abortion access in Michigan makes comprehensive sex education more important than ever.
Posted inTalent & Education
Eastern Michigan University sues faculty union over strike
The university said the faculty union’s strike is causing harm to students, while the union said the lawsuit “does not move us forward one inch.”
Posted inTalent & Education
Eastern Michigan faculty strike disrupts second week of classes
The union representing faculty members is at odds with the administration in negotiations over salary and healthcare benefits, with each side blaming the other for canceled classes.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan school M-STEP scores down sharply from pre-pandemic testing
Scores in math and English/Language Arts were mostly down this year compared to before the pandemic on the Michigan standardized test known as M-STEP. The results are likely to heavily impact education spending priorities.