State officials are touting the free pre-K program for 4-year-olds. Across the state, about 51,000 students are enrolled.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan. She loves visiting schools and analyzing how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. Previously, she was the children’s issues reporter for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee. There, she reported on the state's third-largest public school district's COVID-19 response and how a community copes after losing teenagers to gun violence. Isabel grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and has also lived in Missouri, Tennessee and Belgium. Isabel moved to Ann Arbor in January 2022 where she experienced her first Michigan winter. She has a warm winter hat with a snap-on puff ball. You can reach Isabel at ilohman@bridgemi.com.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting
Michigan Democrats approved an update to the state’s health standards during a contentious State Board of Education meeting. Many public commenters took issue with the state’s recommendation to address gender identity in instruction.
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Michigan has $321M for school safety. The catch: Districts must waive rights
Michigan public and private schools can opt in to receive school safety and mental health funding. But school groups say they have issues with the funding rules.
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As Lansing mulls change, Michigan schools face uphill fight against absenteeism
Educators send letters to parents, host meetings and even pick up students to combat absenteeism as lawmakers consider a stronger approach.
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Michigan absenteeism FAQ: Who’s to blame? What are penalties to schools, kids?
Michigan kids miss far more school than their peers. What to know about the crisis, from how many days are required and why the state’s recently retired superintendent is calling for Lansing to intervene.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan K-12 crisis: State slow to respond as kids miss school, scores fall
Michigan has some of the highest absenteeism rates in the nation — and worst reading scores. It’s not a coincidence, but unlike other states, Michigan has been slow to pursue reforms.
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Schools bonds have become a tough sell in Michigan. Not this time
Michigan voters said yes to 65% of school district bond requests. School districts pitched renovations to schools, updated playgrounds and technology and more athletic facilities in the November 2025 election.
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Bill would force state to inform parents on dangers of weed, tobacco, vaping
Michigan leaders say more can be done to ensure students know of the dangers of tobacco and marijuana products.
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Michigan students lag in reading. Will mandatory teacher training help?
Michigan leaders agree student literacy scores need to improve. One idea some are pushing is to mandate a specific ‘science of reading’ training called LETRS.
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Michigan schools budget: free meals, record funding, safety upgrades
Michigan’s $24.12 billion budget includes universal no-cost K-12 school meals, boosts at-risk funding and includes funding for safety and mental health. School groups said the process was a mess.