Michigan school opinions

Michigan should enact a ban like New York state’s: no smartphones at school from bell-to-bell. We shouldn’t ask our children to resist technology that’s so addictive many adults can’t pull themselves away. 

This is one of the most consequential decisions Michigan’s State Board of Education will make in a decade. We urge the board to select a leader who is bold, transparent, and unwavering in their commitment to the children who have for too long been overlooked.

Getting a good deal is more important than a fast deal for our Michigan children in the upcoming state budget.

We know that some elected officials still worry that comprehensive sex education is not popular with constituents. This is untrue. It is long past time to update Michigan’s sex and health education standards.

The state has acted to attract more new teachers. Now we must take steps to improve retention.

If Michigan students are to receive the support they need, we must invest in student mental health more intentionally.

This isn’t just a budgetary issue — it’s also a moral one. When we talk about slashing Medicaid, we’re not talking about trimming fat, we’re talking about cuts that will hurt our most vulnerable children, neighbors, family members and friends.

Teachers don’t choose this profession for the paycheck. But if we keep treating them like they don’t need one, we’ll keep losing them. Policymakers have an opportunity to change that.