News Summary
Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan has announced a transformative $4.5 billion education reform plan aimed at improving Michigan’s educational outcomes. By implementing strict accountability measures for school administrators, the plan seeks to address alarming literacy rates and enhance Career Technical Education programs. Duggan emphasizes collaboration with educators and advocates for a five-year moratorium on grading system changes, addressing the current instability in educational policies. This initiative aims to ensure lasting improvements for Michigan’s students and the future of education in the state.
Detroit – Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit has unveiled a comprehensive $4.5 billion education reform plan, aimed at transforming Michigan’s educational landscape if he is elected governor. This announcement was made during his keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference on May 28, 2025. The proposal intends to address critical issues in the state’s education system, highlighted by alarming statistics regarding student literacy and policy instability.
Duggan expressed that there will be strict accountability measures for school administrators, emphasizing the need for them to have “skin in the game.” Specific steps will be taken if schools are not able to demonstrate improved educational outcomes. Under his plan, schools receiving failing grades will have to submit an improvement strategy within the first year. Continued lack of progress could lead to significant consequences, including the potential dismissal of school principals and even district superintendents.
The mayor highlighted Michigan’s struggles in education, noting that 60% of the state’s fourth graders are not reading at grade level, ranking Michigan a disappointing 44th in the nation for 8-year-olds in reading proficiency. Duggan pointed out that other states, such as Indiana and Mississippi, have made significant strides in literacy, which raises questions about Michigan’s educational policies.
Duggan’s reform plan includes a five-year strategy focused on training teachers and literacy instructors, alongside initiatives to rebuild Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools. His emphasis on the need for educational leaders to be held responsible reflects a broader urgency to improve student outcomes across the board. Additionally, to ensure a stabilized grading structure, Duggan has proposed a five-year moratorium on changes to the school grading system, allowing for a proper assessment of progress.
The funding for this ambitious $4.5 billion plan is proposed to come from the reallocation of existing state revenues and undefined federal funds, reflecting Duggan’s approach to utilize the resources presently available to the state. In conjunction with his accountability measures, the mayor is advocating for collaboration with educator groups to create a clear grading system that is both accessible and actionable for schools.
Criticizing the political environment in Michigan, Duggan expressed concern that both major parties have contributed to the current state of chaos surrounding education reform. He referred to this instability as an “embarrassment,” arguing that the frequent shifts in policy have been detrimental to students and teachers alike. By coming forward as a political independent, Duggan aims to spearhead solutions that prioritize education over partisan disputes.
In polling conducted by the Detroit Regional Chamber, Duggan has shown appeal among both Democratic and Republican voters, demonstrating a unique ability to connect with a diverse political base. Other candidates in the gubernatorial race include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and U.S. Rep. John James, among others. This upcoming election will determine the future leadership of Michigan and the direction of its vital education policies.
As Duggan’s gubernatorial campaign unfolds, he remains focused on dismantling the systemic challenges plaguing Michigan’s educational framework. His proposed reforms are aimed not only at immediate improvements but also at ensuring a lasting impact on the state’s educational success and the future of its children.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Chamber: Mayor Duggan’s Vision for Education
- Detroit Free Press: Duggan and Education Reform
- CBS News: Duggan’s Education Speech
- Bridge Detroit: Duggan’s Conference Stump Speech
- Google Search: Detroit Education Reform
