West Michigan’s Patmos Library will add labels describing the content of books to its 90,000-volume collection to regain taxpayer support. The library hopes that it will earn support for a new millage vote in November.
Talent & Education
To prosper, Michigan must be a more educated place. Bridge will explore the challenges in education and identify policies and initiatives that address them.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan education board seeks ruling on new Whitmer education agency
The state’s elected board of education wants to know if a new department created by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer violates its constitutional power to oversee all public education.
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As school returns, Flint and Grand Rapids rethink their backpack bans
The two city districts made national news this spring by banning backpacks to prevent guns or contraband from entering schools. After a summer of reflection, they tweaked their policies and are hoping for the best.
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What to know about Michigan’s universal free school meals program
Michigan lawmakers approved funding for public schools this year to offer free meals to all students, pre-K through 12th grade, regardless of income. Child nutrition experts are pushing to make the funding permanent.
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Michigan State University cancels classes on anniversary of shooting
In remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the school shooting, MSU will not hold classes on Feb. 13, 2024.
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Under new law, Michigan schools must inform students on consent, sexual assault
A recently passed law will require Michigan public schools to provide information about sexual violence and resources to middle and high schoolers.
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In Las Vegas, firms pitch mass-shooter security to schools. Does it work?
Michigan has invested $335 million in school security since the 2021 Oxford High School shootings. Concern over shootings has yielded a gold-rush of security vendors offering schools everything from robotic dogs to bulletproof whiteboards.
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Whitmer expands teacher union rights, critics say it sets back students
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several education bills, including measures that give teachers more say in classroom assignments. She signed another measure that makes it easier for out-of-state teachers and counselors to work in Michigan.
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Whitmer signs ‘transformative’ $24.3B Michigan education budget. What to know
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new state education budget that expands Pre-K access, boosts per-pupil funding and invests in training new teachers. More education policy changes are coming too.
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Raise a glass, Michigan. Cocktails-to-go, college stadium beer sales now legal
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs new laws she says are about ‘fairness, safety and revenue.’