News Summary

At the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, education leaders in Michigan highlighted urgent reforms needed to improve the state’s poor K-12 education system. With a focus on integrating business support and updating teacher salaries, initiatives like the S.W.A.G. program aim to empower students while addressing issues like chronic absenteeism. Legislative proposals suggest increasing funding and supporting homeschooling, all amid ongoing challenges and the urgent need for comprehensive educational improvements.

Detroit, Michigan – During the recent 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, education leaders in Michigan gathered to discuss significant reforms needed to enhance the state’s K-12 education system, which currently ranks 44th in 4th-grade reading and graduation rates. Business leaders and policymakers emphasized that improving public education requires concerted support from all residents and stakeholders.

Michigan is home to approximately 800 school districts, all of which operate under local control. Many business leaders, including those from Huntington Bank, believe they play a vital role in driving change within the education system. They expressed that business involvement is essential for meaningful reform and for linking learning with real-world applications.

The state’s educational challenges have been addressed through various initiatives. The S.W.A.G. program, launched by Huntington National Bank, targets Detroit students who are interested in leadership and community service, providing them with support for future entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, partnerships involving organizations like the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), Ballmer Group, and United Way aim to tackle issues such as poverty and chronic absenteeism in Detroit. These collaborations have also led to the establishment of health hubs, which offer free medical services and resources to families, creating a supportive environment for education.

The conference highlighted a direct correlation between attendance and academic success, with metrics indicating that consistent class attendance enhances student readiness for state assessments. Business contributions to education are also helping students connect classroom subjects with practical applications in the workforce.

Panelists at the conference emphasized the necessity of investing in teachers as a cornerstone of education reform. Starting salaries for teachers in the DPSCD are set to rise from $38,000 to $55,000 next year, reflecting a commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators. In addition to salary increases, strategic approaches such as providing stock options and performance-based bonuses were suggested as potential incentives for teachers to drive classroom success.

Despite these positive changes, concerns were raised regarding the outdated metrics currently used in the education system. Calls for a balanced approach that marries accountability with adequate support have become increasingly prominent in discussions led by education leaders. The sense of urgency surrounding these reforms was palpable, as ongoing changes are impacting the recruitment of qualified staff across the state.

The conference also explored legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for families. Michigan House Republicans are proposing legislation to expand homeschooling by repealing restrictions on state funding, enabling homeschooling families to access public school resources more flexibly. This proposal has garnered support from lawmakers who believe it could further tailor educational experiences for homeschool families. However, concerns over safety led Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice to previously recommend establishing a mandatory state registry for homeschooled students.

In terms of funding, House Speaker Matt Hall announced plans for scholarships worth $5,500 annually for every Michigan high school graduate attending an in-state university. Additionally, a proposal for a 25% increase in per-pupil funding for K-12 education aims to bolster the current funding level from $9,608 to $12,000 per student. However, these proposals come amidst discussions about diversions of gas tax revenue for road repair, raising concerns about potential impacts on education budgets.

House Republicans are also advocating for the elimination of restrictions on how schools can utilize funding, allowing for increased autonomy at the district level. Further, there continues to be debate regarding a potential ballot initiative designed to impose taxes on the wealthiest Michiganders to provide additional funding for K-12 education.

Lastly, the Michigan Supreme Court recently upheld state laws providing employee immunity concerning lawsuits from victims of the tragic Oxford High School shooting. In a separate matter, the Michigan State Board of Education passed a resolution opposing federal policies that are perceived to be damaging to public education, reflecting ongoing tensions in educational governance at both state and federal levels.