School Finance & Bonds
10 storiesCoverage includes budget explainers, bond and millage guides, capital-plan reporting and taxpayer impact analysis. Stories connect financing decisions with school construction, maintenance, staffing or district obligations while clarifying what voters, boards and state funding formulas actually control.
Michigan School Spending Rises While Third Grade Reading Falls
Michigan now spends over $23,000 per student in public schools, but the latest state test results show third grade reading proficiency has declined since 2019 despite new laws and increased investment.
Michigan Student Test Scores Drop Despite Record School Funding
Michigan's latest statewide test results show a decline in student reading proficiency even as public school funding has reached new highs, raising questions about the effectiveness of current teaching methods and standards
New York City Ends $200 Million T-Mobile Chromebook Contract for Schools
New York City has canceled a costly T-Mobile contract that provided LTE service for school-issued Chromebooks, citing duplication and high expense. The move is expected to save tens of millions as the city shifts to a more targeted internet access program for students.
Michigan School Districts Add Free Direct Primary Care for Staff
Three Michigan school districts are offering employees and their families free access to direct primary care clinics, aiming to reduce health care costs and improve access as insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses continue to rise.
Farmington Schools Employee Charged With Embezzling Over $100,000
A longtime Farmington Public Schools staff member faces felony charges after being accused of embezzling more than $100,000, including federal grant funds intended to support students experiencing homelessness. The district says services were not disrupted.
Michigan Education Leaders Urge State to Reject Federal Voucher Plan
Education experts in Michigan are calling on state officials to opt out of a proposed federal voucher program, warning it could destabilize public schools and divert resources from students and educators across the state.
Michigan Allocates $40M to Expand Dual Enrollment for High Schoolers
Michigan will provide $40 million in new state funding to help more high school students enroll in college courses, with priority given to districts serving economically disadvantaged students. The program aims to boost college readiness and degree attainment.
Michigan Schools Receive $224M for Repairs, But Billions Still Needed
Michigan awarded $224 million to 31 school districts for urgent building repairs, but a recent study found public schools statewide need $22.8 billion to address aging infrastructure by 2033
School Districts Face Challenges Vetting AI Tools Amid Rapid Growth
As U.S. schools invest billions in artificial intelligence, many districts are left to evaluate safety, privacy, and educational value on their own, with limited state or federal guidance and a fast-growing market of competing products
Michigan Allocates $150M for One-Time Educator Bonuses in 2026
Michigan public schools will distribute $150 million in one-time bonuses to educators and staff this year, with amounts determined by local districts and unions. The payments aim to offset rising costs as leaders debate long-term solutions.