Results for “school districts”
51 stories
- politics
Grand Rapids Schools Miss Out as Michigan Snow Day Forgiveness Bill Leaves West Michigan Behind
Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 5797 to forgive snow days for Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula schools. Kent County and most of West Michigan were excluded, leaving Grand Rapids-area districts to make up lost time on their own.
May 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislature
Michigan's School Funding System Leaves Rural Districts Behind as Administrators Write Grants Between Teaching Duties
Michigan rural school superintendents describe spending grant-writing hours between teaching duties, leaving small districts to miss out on millions in state funding that larger districts can access more easily.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan PreK System Shows Progress as School Districts Seek Funding for Facility Upgrades
Michigan's early childhood education system shows progress with expanded PreK access as school districts in the Thumb region seek voter approval for facility upgrade funding in May special elections.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Competitive Grant System Disadvantages Small Rural School Districts, Leaving Students Behind
Michigan's competitive grant system disadvantages small rural school districts, leaving students without access to essential programs like career tech and advanced placement courses. Administrators in small districts must complete grant applications between their regular duties, while larger districts have dedicated staff for the process.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - education
Gretchen Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Smartphone Ban Into Law As Implementation Challenges Mount Across Michigan Schools
Gretchen Whitmer signs bipartisan smartphone ban requiring Michigan public schools to prohibit student phone use during instructional time, but implementation varies widely across 779 districts
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - education
Detroit Parents Sue Michigan Over School Funding, Claim State Violated Constitutional Duty
Detroit parents filed a class action lawsuit against the State of Michigan, alleging the state has violated its constitutional duty by chronically underfunding Detroit schools. The lawsuit, filed by law firm Mantese Honigman PC, cites disparities in per-pupil funding, teacher salaries, and educational resources compared to wealthier districts.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
School Funding Votes Head to May 5 Ballot in Michigan's Thumb Region
School districts across Michigan's Thumb region will put bond and millage measures on the May 5 ballot to address aging infrastructure, safety upgrades, and facility improvements, including a $37.1 million Cros-Lex bond proposal.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - Education
Dearborn Public Schools Names Mike Esseily First Arab-American Superintendent Amid $1.5 Billion Bond Push
Dearborn Public Schools unanimously voted to hire Mike Esseily as superintendent, making him the district's first Arab-American permanent leader. He begins July 1 as the board pushes a $1.5 billion bond proposal to the November ballot.
June 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - education
Flint: Mott Foundation Commits $100 Million to New High School at Former Flint Central Site
Flint Community Schools broke ground on a $135 million high school at the former Flint Central site, funded by a $100 million commitment from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and $35.9 million in state grants. The first new high school in the district in over 50 years is expected to open in fall 2028.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislation
Holland Families Could See Permanent Free School Meals as Michigan Senate Advances Bills 784 and 785
Michigan Senate Bills 784 and 785 would make free school meals permanent for all public school students. The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved the bills June 2, though private school provisions drew criticism from Sen. Erika Geiss.
June 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislation
Traverse City Schools Get Snow Day Relief After Whitmer Signs Forgiveness Bill
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill allowing schools in Grand Traverse County and 46 other Michigan counties to waive up to four additional snow days caused by this year's severe storms.
May 27, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - legislation
Marquette Schools Get Relief: Michigan Snow Day Forgiveness Bill Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor
A bipartisan bill forgiving four extra snow days for Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula schools passed the Michigan House 149-5 and Senate 33-2. The measure now heads to Governor Whitmer's desk.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Marquette Schools Could Avoid Summer Extension If State Senate Passes Snow Day Forgiveness Bill
House Bill 5797 would forgive four extra snow days for Upper Peninsula schools including Marquette County after the mid-March storm. The bill passed the Michigan House and now moves to the Senate.
May 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Detroit Public Schools Announce $13.5 Million Redesign For 11 Neighborhood High Schools
Detroit Public Schools Community District announces a $13.5 million curriculum redesign for 11 neighborhood high schools, offering five diploma pathways and earlier AP classes to prepare students for college and careers.
May 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
Marquette Catholic High School Honors 92 Graduates At Class Of 2026 Commencement
Marquette Catholic High School honored 92 graduates at its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony, with special recognition for top achievers and students pursuing military service.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
El Sol School to Host Open House at New Site in Kalamazoo
El Sol School in Kalamazoo will host an open house Monday at its new site at 1428 Baker Street. The new magnet school serving grades K-5 initially is planned for completion in the 2028-29 school year.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
Flint High School Gets $100 Million Commitment From Mott Foundation For New Building By 2028
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation announced Monday it is committing up to $100 million for a new high school in Flint, with construction expected to begin later this year.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
TCAPS breaks ground on $17.5M afterschool clubhouse and fieldhouse in Traverse City
TCAPS breaks ground on a $17.5M afterschool clubhouse and multi-purpose fieldhouse in Traverse City. The public-private partnership includes more than $8.5M in donations and will create year-round opportunities for students.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
Marquette Area Schools Bond Proposal Passes in Special Election
Marquette Area Public Schools voters approved a $59.995 million bond proposal with 3,628 votes in favor and 3,116 against, allowing the district to fund facility, safety and learning environment improvements.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Swatting Call Sends East Lansing High School Students Home as AG Nessel Urges Stricter Penalties
A bomb threat at East Lansing High School forced the school to evacuate students, and Attorney General Dana Nessel is now calling for stricter penalties for swatting incidents after the incident.
May 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Jackson County Voters Decide on $3.9M Hanover-Horton School Bond in May 5 Election
The Hanover-Horton School District in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties is asking voters to approve a $3.9 million bond in the May 5 election to replace aging boilers and roofing at district schools. The district says the bond would not increase taxes and would be paid over 25 years.
April 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislature
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Major K-12 School Choice Reform as Debate Over Public Education Funding Intensifies
Michigan House Republicans propose legislation that would allow students to attend any public K-12 school for free across the state and ban tuition charges for out-of-district students, sparking debate over education access and funding.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Hancock Residents Pack City Council as School Library Faces $100,000 Funding Gap
Hancock City Council unanimously pledged $25,000 to keep the Hancock School Public Library open after a packed meeting. The library needs roughly $100,000 for full services. Combined funding from the city, school district, and foundation totals about $70,000. A gap remains as officials negotiate a long-term contract.
June 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - education
Muskegon voters face $37.1M school bond proposal to add classrooms and expand career learning
Muskegon Public Schools presents a $37.1M bond proposal on Tuesday to add classrooms and expand career learning spaces across elementary, middle and high schools. The plan would maintain the current tax debt rate with no net increase in taxes.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Saginaw Township Voters Reject $94.2M School Bond Proposal Amidst Heated Debate
Saginaw Township voters rejected a $94.2 million school bond proposal amid heated social media debates. The scaled-back request focused on essential safety and infrastructure improvements after previous proposals totaling nearly $400 million were rejected by voters.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Two schools close in Grand Rapids after deadly shooting sparked by soccer dispute
Two people died in a shooting Tuesday night in Southwest Grand Rapids after a suspect was turned away from joining a soccer game. The incident led to the closure of Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle High School.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Senate Passes $25 Billion Schools Budget as 2027 State Funding Talks Begin
Michigan Senate advances $25 billion schools budget with $250 per-student funding increase, weighted formula for at-risk students, and $1B supplemental budget for current fiscal year
May 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Cities Weighing Renaming Streets and Schools Named After César Chavez Following Abuse Allegations
Michigan cities including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Pontiac and Flint are considering renaming streets and schools named after César Chávez after a New York Times investigation alleged the labor leader sexually abused young girls in the 1970s.
April 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Michigan House Proposes Major Changes to K-12 School Choice Law Despite Education Group Backlash
House legislation would let students attend any public K-12 school in Michigan and remove penalties for false enrollment information, sparking debate over whether it expands access or creates loopholes for wealthy families.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - education
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Major Changes to K-12 School Choice Law Amidst Funding Debate
House legislation would require all public schools to accept out-of-district students, remove penalties for false enrollment information, and prohibit tuition charges for out-of-district families.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - budget
Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus Spent on Schools, Roads, Medicaid as Lawmakers Debate Budget Priorities
Michigan's $9 billion surplus from 2023 was spent on schools, roads, Medicaid, and other priorities as lawmakers debate whether the investment delivered value to Michigan residents.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield Delivers Historic State of the City Speech at Mumford High School
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield made history by delivering her first State of the City address at Mumford High School, unveiling plans for neighborhood investment, housing, education partnerships, public safety, and population growth.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislation
Traverse City Arts School at Center of Michigan House Fight as Speaker Strips Rep. Tsernoglou of Committee Posts
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall removed Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou from all committee assignments one day after she called for an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's ties to Interlochen Center for the Arts in Grand Traverse County. Tsernoglou alleges retaliation. Hall denies it.
May 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Lansing: Whitmer and Legislative Leaders Reach Budget Framework Deal Ahead of July 1 Deadline
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan legislative leaders reached a budget framework deal late Monday night, raising hopes the state will meet the July 1 deadline for its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The agreement includes no tax increases, no Rainy Day Fund raid, and increased school funding.
June 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - crime
Marquette: 33-Year-Old Man Dies in Fatal Dirt Bike Crash on M-77 Near Manistique
A 33-year-old Germfask man died Sunday night after his dirt bike struck a parked pickup truck on M-77 in Schoolcraft County. Alcohol is believed to have played a role.
June 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - community
Zeeland Students Create Sustainability Curriculum for Holland Farmers Market
Zeeland students are creating a sustainability curriculum for the Holland Farmers Market. The project will help teachers use field trips at the market when it opens Wednesday.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan Conservation District Elections Plagued by Errors, Leaving Unelected Board Members in Power
Michigan conservation district elections have been invalidated repeatedly due to errors, leaving unelected board members in power and raising questions about oversight of these little-known environmental bodies.
May 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - legislature
Michigan State University Board Approves Medical College Merger Despite Faculty Resistance
Michigan State University Board of Trustees approves merger of College of Human Medicine and College of Osteopathic Medicine into MSU Medicine despite faculty concerns about the process and feasibility
April 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislation
Battle Creek Rep. Steve Frisbie Leads Michigan House Vote to Eliminate $5 Billion in Property Taxes
Battle Creek Republican Rep. Steve Frisbie sponsored an eight-bill property tax package that passed the Michigan House, eliminating $5 billion to $7.5 billion in annual revenue. Democrats warn the cuts would devastate school funding.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislation
Ann Arbor Homeowners Face Uncertainty as Michigan House Advances $5 Billion Property Tax Cuts
The Michigan House passed a $5 billion property tax cut package that repeals the state education tax and real estate transfer tax. Ann Arbor homeowners could see lower bills, but critics warn schools and local services will face deep funding gaps.
May 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislation
Michigan House Passes Property Tax Cuts That Could Cost Grand Rapids Homeowners Billions in Lost Services
The Michigan House passed property tax cut bills Wednesday that could cost local governments billions. Grand Rapids Rep. Stephen Wooden warned the cuts would defund roads, schools, and public safety. The bills now go to the Senate.
May 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - infrastructure
State of Emergency Declared as Major Water Main Break Affects Pontiac and Northern Oakland County
A massive water main break in northern Oakland County has led to a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The 42-inch waterline rupture affects multiple communities including Pontiac, where residents face boil water advisories and school closures.
May 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Dearborn selects first-ever Arab American, Muslim educator as new superintendent
Dearborn Public Schools has selected Mike Esseily as its new superintendent, making him the first Arab American and Muslim educator to hold the position.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus Vanished: What Happened to Lawmakers' Spending
Michigan lawmakers spent a $9 billion surplus on schools, Medicaid, roads and other priorities, but the spending has not produced proportional improvements in education quality, economic growth or public services.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Where Did Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus Go? State Spending Priorities Over Three Decades
Analysis of where Michigan's $9 billion surplus went over three decades reveals significant increases in spending on schools, Medicaid, roads, and business subsidies, with questionable returns on investment.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - budget
Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus Spent: Was It Worth the Cost to the State?
Michigan lawmakers spent $9 billion in surplus funds since 2023, with schools receiving the biggest boost ($5.8 billion), followed by Medicaid ($3.8 billion increase in state spending) and roads ($1.9 billion increase). Critics question whether the spending is delivering value, noting that education quality still lags behind other states and pork spending remains high.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - budget
Fact Check: Perry Johnson's Tax Cut Promise Overstates Savings While Michigan Budget Struggles
Fact check reveals Perry Johnson's $4,747 tax cut promise is misleading, while Michigan faces real budget challenges with schools, Medicaid, and infrastructure spending at historic levels.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus: Where Did the Money Go and Was It Worth It?
Michigan lawmakers spent $9 billion in surplus funds over the past several years, with schools receiving the biggest share. But critics question whether the spending delivered value, noting Michigan still lags behind other states in education quality despite massive investment.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Federal Education Tax Credit Program Targets Michigan as State Lags in Reading Scores
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon is urging Michigan to opt into a new federal tax credit program that could expand school choice options for families. The Education Freedom Tax Credit allows taxpayers to claim up to $1,700 in credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, with the program expected to be available starting in 2027. As Michigan ranks 44th nationally in fourth-grade reading scores, the federal program has attracted support from state Republican leaders while facing concerns from education officials about its potential impact on public schools.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - budget
Where Did Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus Go? Heavy Spending Gets Paltry Return
Michigan lawmakers had $9 billion in surplus funds in 2023 but spent it all on schools, Medicaid, roads, and business subsidies—with questionable returns on many investments.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - budget
Michigan Legislature Begins 2027 Budget Process With Education Spending and Federal Work Requirement Challenges
Michigan Legislature begins 2027 budget process with Governor Whitmer's $88.1B proposal including $21.4B in school aid, $625M literacy investment, and $181M Pre-K expansion amid federal work requirement challenges and Republican opposition to tax increases.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·10 sources