A coalition of education groups had hoped to raise taxes on the wealthy to pay for schools. On Thursday, the group said it doesn’t ‘see a path forward’ to getting enough signatures to make the ballot.
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
New Michigan program aims to train, retain more early childhood teachers
Finding and keeping enough child care workers is a challenge. A new state-funded effort aims to raise wages, train workers and keep them in Michigan classrooms.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan may require intensive reading training for elementary teachers
As elected officials try to address low reading scores, one idea has bipartisan support: require teachers to take a specific ‘science of reading’ training. But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are concerned about the time commitment it would take from teachers.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan bill would require schools to teach water safety in gym class
A bill would make water safety instruction part of the PE curriculum. Advocates say schools play a vital role in keeping children and teens safe in and around water.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan gives grants to districts that require students to fill out FAFSA
For a second year, Michigan has offered school districts funds to require students to complete a federal financial aid form. Districts must offer an opt-out option.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gretchen Whitmer wants to boost literacy in Michigan. Here’s what to know
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling for several programs to improve educational performance in Michigan. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been done so far.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan school board member calls for fed probe over ‘indoctrination’ claims
A Republican State Board of Education member claims the agency is prioritizing sexual politics over test scores.
Posted inTalent & Education
Short staff, Michigan schools use virtual special ed therapy. ‘This is not ideal’
As school leaders see an increase in students with disabilities, they say there aren’t enough speech professionals to go around. Virtual therapists are a ‘stop-gap’ solution.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan fight over special ed services lingers, years after COVID shutdown
A federal complaint over how Michigan should provide make-up services to students in special ed whose schools closed during COVID is in the hands of an administrative law judge.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan high school graduation rate reaches a high. Look up your school
The state’s four-year graduation rate is at a new high. Meanwhile, the drop out rate is down.