Latest news with #MichiganDepartmentofEducation
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MI school district budgets precarious as feds sit on $160M, state misses deadline
Two education budget curveballs could make a mess of public school budgets this year. With the state budget still not passed before school budget deadlines and nearly $160 million in federal funding unexpectedly withheld from schools by the Trump administration, this summer has turned unexpectedly chaotic for the state's school leaders, with sudden uncertainty cast over programs that serve some of Michigan's most vulnerable students. "It is our moral obligation, literally our moral obligation to ensure that we know what the budget will be as soon as possible," said Camille Hibbler, superintendent of Ferndale Public Schools. School districts' boards under state law must pass their budgets before July 1, when the fiscal year starts. But two variables created by local and state government have bedeviled the process, likely meaning boards will be changing passed budgets later in the year: State lawmakers failed to meet their own deadline for passing a school aid budget, meaning districts don't know exactly how much funding they'll end up with. The U.S. Department of Education is withholding billions of dollars from states for school programs meant for vulnerable student populations, including English learners and after-school programs. Michigan's share of money withheld is $160 million, according to the Michigan Department of Education. It's now unclear when states will get that money. Just one of these surprises could strain a budget process. But both? Superintendents say having both funding sources uncertain could spell trouble. "It's a guessing game and it's a really awkward position to put the board in, quite honestly," said Andrew Brodie, superintendent of Flat Rock Community Schools in Flat Rock, a Downriver community. Brodie said school boards and finance offices can try to make educated guesses in setting their budgets, using numbers from the previous school year to approximate how much funding they might have for the upcoming year. Flat Rock is in a fortunate position because it has a fund balance to help make up for any unexpected budget fluctuations, he said. State lawmakers typically pass at least a school aid budget around July 1 to help give districts a measure of certainty as they plan for the next school year, though they have until October to pass a budget. There's been no indication lawmakers are yet close to an agreement, with House Republicans proposing a school aid budget different than what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed, with money for private schools, and eliminating universal school meals, a program touted by Whitmer as an accomplishment of her administration. On the federal side of the budget debacle, the leader of the Michigan Department of Education, schools Superintendent Michael Rice, decried the nearly $160 million withheld from schools in a news release Wednesday, July 2. According to the department, $64 million of the funding withheld was for educator professional development and $37 million was allocated for before- and after-school programs, with $38 million in funds classified for academic enrichment. The remaining funds are for migrant education and English Learner programs. "Based on past practice, local school districts were rightly counting on this approved funding by July 1 for programs to support migrant education, services for English learners, staff professional development, before- and after-school programs, and academic enrichment," he wrote. Rice added that the department is discussing the issue with "legal counsel" and colleagues around the country. More: Michigan school district agrees to end seclusion after DOJ probe, Free Press investigation In Ferndale, Hibbler said the federal government's unexpected choice puts the district in hot water, with grant funding attached to certain positions. It's possible that the district may have to cut certain after-school tutoring programs if the federal money doesn't come through. "It is very uncomfortable to be able to have a conversation about, 'You might have a job,' " she said. " 'Might' is not OK. Not to mention these are the positions that work with our highest need populations, (such as) special education services. I can't believe we're talking about this." Both Brodie and Hibbler said the disruptions have collided with what's usually a season for planning for school districts, a time to set a vision for the next school year. Instead, they are contemplating worst-case scenarios. "It's unacceptable," Hibbler said. Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan school district budgets precarious as feds withhold money
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Collaborative Literacy meets criteria for Michigan's Tier 1 Early Literacy evaluation and is eligible for Section 35m funding
LANSING, Mich., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Department of Education's Committee for Literacy Achievement (CLA) critically evaluated and ranked Tier 1 early literacy curriculum materials. Collaborative Literacy curriculum, the only core program offered by a nonprofit organization, is comprised of the Being a Reader and Being a Writer programs. Collaborative Literacy successfully met the criteria set forth by the CLA and therefore qualifies for Section 35m funding. This funding is part of the Michigan FY 2025 State School Aid and supports the Department's goal of increasing student academic outcomes in the area of literacy. "We're thrilled that Michigan has recognized Collaborative Literacy as a high-quality, evidence-based solution for Tier 1 literacy instruction," said Kelly Stuart, Collaborative Classroom President and CEO. "It's an honor to support Michigan educators with proven, comprehensive, and instructionally aligned solutions grounded in the research base." Jeremy Hyler, Michigan Senior Manager of Educational Partnerships at Collaborative Classroom, said, "This recognition by the state underscores the effectiveness and rigor of Collaborative Literacy in fostering literacy development for all students. This program is built on the science of reading and is already transforming literacy outcomes for students across Michigan." Learn how Michigan students are succeeding with Collaborative Literacy: Collaborative Literacy Builds Proficient Readers and Writers Critically evaluated and ranked by the Michigan Department of Education's Committee for Literacy Achievement for Tier 1 Early Literacy, Collaborative Literacy is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that builds strong and knowledgeable readers and writers, creates vibrant and caring classroom communities, and empowers teachers to deepen their knowledge and expertise. Being a Reader™ and Being a Writer™, the two dynamic programs that comprise Collaborative Literacy, weave together the latest research in literacy and learning, integrated social skills development, and embedded professional learning. A complete solution for core reading and writing instruction, Collaborative Literacy provides: Comprehensive, research-based reading instruction that systematically develops both foundational skills and comprehension. Whole-class, student-centered writing instruction that focuses on process and conventions across genres. High-quality, high-interest fiction and nonfiction texts selected to support the instructional focus of each lesson and engage all students. Knowledge building through the integration of reading and writing experiences. Students actively foster their curiosity, build their knowledge, and become experts on topics that truly matter to them. English learner pre-teaching, extension, and point-of-need supports that help teachers provide scaffolding and prepare English learners to participate confidently in lessons. Integrated social-skills development that creates a supportive classroom community and nurtures students' sense of responsibility for their own learning and behavior. Embedded, continuous professional learning that empowers teachers to expand their content knowledge and deepen their pedagogical expertise. Formative and summative assessments that support instructional decision-making for the class, groups of students with similar points of need, and individual students. About Collaborative Classroom Collaborative Classroom is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that all students become readers, writers, and thinkers who learn from, care for, and respect one another. Through evidence-based programs and embedded professional learning, the organization transforms teaching and learning and builds thriving school communities. Since the organization's founding, our work has reached more than 10 million students and 440,000 educators across the country. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Collaborative Classroom
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CBS News
Michigan House approves offering hunter safety class to students
Michigan schools would be able to offer a class in hunter safety to students, if a state House bill picks up support in the Senate. House Bill 4285 would direct the Michigan Department of Education to consult with the Department of Natural Resources to create a model firearm safety course. The lessons would be written to help students meet the Michigan hunter safety requirements for obtaining a hunting license. Rep. Curtis VanderWall, (R-Ludington) introduced the bill, which was co-sponsored by several other representatives. The House passed the bill on a vote of 101 to 7. "In communities like the ones I represent in Northern Michigan, hunting isn't just a pastime, it is a long-held tradition and a way of life. But learning the safety of the sport is key for young and aspiring hunters," VanderWall said in his statement. The lessons would address safe handling, cleaning and maintenance; types of firearms; and safe hunting practices. Under the bill, no firearms or ammunition would be allowed on school property for instruction. If a school district does not offer the class while a neighboring district does, the student might be eligible for class credit under the cooperative education procedures. The bill would allow parents or guardians to opt their child out of the hunter safety program if it is part of a regularly scheduled class.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Flint among three districts receiving state grant to consolidate, modernize buildings
Flint Community Schools — once a district with dozens of school buildings — will go from 11 to 7 active school buildings using $35.9 million from a state grant program encouraging districts to consolidate, the Michigan Department of Education announced April 24. The state granted $75 million to three districts including Flint to "modernize school buildings" and "reduce square footage," according to Michael Rice, state superintendent of schools. The three districts are Flint, North Central Area Schools in the Upper Peninsula and Union City Community Schools in the south central part of the state. But based on application for the grant, the demand for money to consolidate and improve infrastructure is high: The state received requests for more than $626 million from schools, 51 applicants total. 'There is great demand for additional state funding to improve learning environments for our children,' Rice wrote in a news release. The grant to Flint in particular is important. The district's enrollment has been on a downward slide for decades, leaving more and more school buildings abandoned throughout the long-embattled city. The school district's population has declined by nearly 3,600 students in nearly a decade — from 6,533 in the 2014-15 school year to 2,605 this school year, a 60% decline. The loss of students is more staggering looking further back: In the 2004-05 school year, 19,025 students attended Flint schools, according to state data. More: GM storing poor-selling Canadian-made electric vans on Flint lot More: Could no-strings-attached 'cash prescriptions' slash poverty among Michigan's youngest? Flint Community Schools will use the money combined with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to close four buildings, while building a high school and upgrading existing buildings. "These investments are not just about bricks and mortar," wrote Kevelin Jones, Flint Community Schools' superintendent. "They're about our children, our future, and our commitment to excellence. Flint scholars will have access to a state-of-the-art high school designed to support modern learning, expanded programming, and the success of every scholar." Union City Community Schools will receive more than $23.6 million schools to go from three to two buildings, demolishing one and modernizing its elementary and high school facilities. And North Central will receive more than $15.4 million, according to the state, to consolidate to a single school building from two, investing in technology and other modernization efforts. Advocates say Michigan schools desperately need money to improve facilities for student health and safety. A recent report commissioned by the state Legislature estimated $22.8 billion in repairs or renovations are needed. Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: $75 million state grant will help three school districts consolidate
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Polehanki offers Whitmer-backed bill to restrict cell phone use in Michigan schools
Daniel deDuring her 2025 State of the State Speech, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her support for cell phone restrictions in Michigan schools, with state Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills) reintroducing his plan to keep school children off their phones and focused on lessons that same day. However, members of the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday will hear testimony on a different proposal crafted by its chair, state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). Slated for introduction on Monday, Polehanki told the Michigan Advance her plan was crafted alongside the governor's office and has support from the Michigan Department of Education. While Tisdel's plan would place different restrictions on students based on their grade level, Polehanki's proposal would require a district's school board or a charter school's board of directors to develop their own wireless communications device policy to limit cell phone use during school hours and cut down on distractions. Tisdel's plan would: Prohibit students in Kindergarten through grade 5 from possessing a wireless communication device on school grounds Block students in grades six through eight from using a wireless communication device on school grounds during instructional time, breaks between instruction, lunch and recess. Bar students in grades nine through 12 from using a wireless communication device during instruction time. The school board and board of directors can also implement additional restrictions. 'It's important to me that our bill is not too prescriptive. I do believe that school districts should have control over exactly what their cell phone policies say. School districts know what's best for themselves,' said Polehanki, who taught high school for almost 20 years. Polehanki's proposal also includes exceptions for emergency situations, medical devices and devices included in a student's individualized education plan, and permits a school's principal to create further exceptions. 'I am personally not comfortable with any legislation that would put an outright ban on a cell phone in the era of the school shootings,' Polehanki said. 'I just don't believe in an outright ban, but some schools may choose to do that. But the beauty of this bill is it's up to them,' she said. Heading into the 2024-2025 school year, an increasing number of states began implementing or weighing cell phone bans, with the U.S. Surgeon General issuing two advisories on social media use and youth mental health. Independent Health Policy Organization KFF reports as of March 5, 2025, nine states had banned or restricted cell phone use in schools, while 16 others, including Michigan, were considering restrictions. The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry notes studies have found a link between heavy social media use and depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal ideation. While cell phone use in classrooms can be a problem, cell phone policies do work, Polehanki said. However these policies need to be understood and enforced, she said, and having district-level policy can help that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
