Bills that would restrict how schools teach about racism and other highly-charged topics have yet to pass. But there are signs that pushback from some parents and interest groups are making an impact in classrooms.
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
Biden student loan forgiveness plan: What it means for Michigan
Michigan has about 1.4 million student loan borrowers. Borrowers with federal loans who have incomes below $125,000 will get up $10,000 in loans canceled; up to $20,000 if they had Pell Grants.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan teacher retirements appear level, despite fear of huge exodus
Detroit public schools are fully staffed and the volume of statewide teacher retirements — an imperfect barometer — is steady compared to years past. Challenges remain in Grand Rapids and some rural districts, but there is reason for optimism.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Back to school and monkeypox: How much should Michigan worry?
Monkeypox risk is higher on college campuses, where it can be spread through sexual activity and the close quarters of dorm life and parties, health officials said. But the risk isn’t zero for school-age children.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
CDC loosens COVID rules with new onus on people, not schools, businesses
The Biden administration bowed to the reality that COVID-19 is here to stay and most Americans are better equipped to fend off serious illness. The new rules place more emphasis on individual responsibility.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan charters sue U.S. Department of Education over new grant rules
A group representing Michigan charter schools accuses the DOE of adding new hurdles for charters to access federal money to open new schools. Supporters of the rules say they rein in problematic practices within the charter school industry.
Posted inTalent & Education
Saginaw Valley State’s new president vows to listen to students, community
George Grant Jr. said he does not believe universities should be ivory towers with transactional relationships with their communities. He vowed to be engaged and transparent and make the school welcoming for students.
Posted inTalent & Education
Flint may ditch year-round school, but other districts say it helps students
The Flint schools superintendent said the year-round calendar, intended to reduce summer learning loss, doesn’t work for his district. But other school districts remain fans. The key, they say: community buy-in.
Posted inTalent & Education
Wayne State University president M. Roy Wilson will step down next summer
Wilson will have led the Detroit university for 10 years when he leaves next July. He said addressing an increasingly competitive market for students will be a major focus for the next president.
Posted inTalent & Education
How a Michigan college is leaning into culture wars to reshape education
Tiny Hillsdale College is at the center of education battles in Florida and Tennessee, while expanding its influence in charter and private schools closer to home. Its conservative values could reshape schools in Michigan under a Republican governor.