Tripping over its own good intentions, a long-awaited study calculating the cost of a good education may be undone by its high price, timid promises and puzzling methodology
Ron French
Ron French is the senior enterprise reporter at Bridge Michigan, covering a wide range of topics including rural communities, federal policy impacts, education and public health. Born and raised in Indiana, Ron came to Bridge in 2011 from The Detroit News, where he was a project reporter, and previously reported for newspapers across Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University.
Rooted in Okemos, Ron has become a true Michigander — complete with a family cabin Up North.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
The 3 biggest head-scratchers in Michigan education cost study
The report was supposed to be a big win for education reformers. But holes in the study may undermine efforts to increase school spending
Posted inBusiness Watch
Dow Chemical being courted by other states
If more business-friendly states come calling, can Midland hold on to thousands of high-paying jobs? A test of Gov. Snyder’s economic development strategy.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Welcome to Pennsylvania, where cash-poor cities work together with state emergency managers.
In Part 2, Bridge shows how Pennsylvania and Ohio are taking a different approach to keeping their cities stron
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Fewer cops, abandoned parks, and why more cities will crumble unless Michigan changes
When cities lose 2,300 police officers, it’s time for Michigan to look in the mirror.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
U.S. Education Secretary criticizes Legislature for inaction on DPS
The failure to come up with more than short-term fixes shows “a lack of concern for people,” says John B. King Jr., who urged a permanent resolution
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Flint 101: In business schools and seminars, a tough grade for Snyder
Michigan’s CEO governor is the subject of case studies and forums in which the culture in his administration is being compared with oil spills and the Challenger explosion.
Posted inSuccess
For inspirational homeless student, graduation day
Ramone Williams completes his journey for a degree from Eastern Michigan University. Now he must find a job
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Help remains elusive for homeless Michigan college students
Michigan’s patchwork system of support misses the state’s most vulnerable young people
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Study: Schools of choice don't improve test scores
Almost 100,000 students enroll in public schools outside their neighborhood school districts through Michigan’s popular school-of-choice policy. On average, they are learning no more than if they’d stayed in their neighborhood school, a study finds
