Education

Tuition increase fails in tie vote by U-Michigan board

By Associated Press • Jun 26, 2020

A tuition increase at the University of Michigan failed Thursday in a tie vote by the school’s governing board.

The 4-4 vote was a rare public sign of tension among regents and President Mark Schlissel’s administration.

Schlissel had proposed a 1.9% tuition increase at the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses and a 3.9% increase in Flint, where enrollment has been sliding.

Denise Ilitch said it’s “plain wrong” to raise tuition when families are facing uncertainty in the midst of a struggling economy and the coronavirus outbreak.

GRPS hoping for budget help as lawmakers scramble at the eleventh hour

By Daniel Boothe • Jun 25, 2020

With over a billion-dollar shortfall in the Michigan School Aid Fund as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand Rapids Public Schools officials say the district is facing school closures and massive layoffs without federal assistance. But with a June 30th deadline approaching, time is running out. According to Grand Rapids Public Schools officials, it would mean reducing the budget by $650 per student, the most in recent memory.

Kent Intermediate School District rolls out plan for K-12 return to classrooms

By Patrick Center • Jun 24, 2020

The results are in, and with the majority of parents surveyed, the Kent Intermediate School District has drafted its School Re-entry Plan for navigating the coronavirus pandemic this fall.

More than 30,000 parents responded to the Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association School Re-entry Survey.

“Almost 90% of the parents who responded to the survey believe that in-person instruction is the very best option in terms of a quality educational experience for their child.”

Republicans propose $1.3B plan to help K-12 schools reopen

By Associated Press • Jun 24, 2020

Cursive on a classroom chalkboard — Pixabay | CC BY 3.0 / pixabay.com

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature on Tuesday proposed a $1.3 billion plan to help K-12 schools reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, saying districts should have flexibility to start when they want and to offer remote instruction as an alternative if necessary.

The one-time funding, including an $800 per-pupil increase to address new costs related to COVID-19, would come from $3 billion in federal relief. Teachers would get a $500 bonus.

Republicans propose $1.3B plan to help K-12 schools reopen

By Associated Press • Jun 23, 2020

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature are proposing a $1.3 billion one-time funding boost to help K-12 schools reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. The plan unveiled Tuesday also calls for letting schools start before Labor Day without needing a waiver, redefining "attendance" to allow for online learning and reducing the number of snow day allowances so remote instruction occurs instead. The GOP proposal would increase state funding by $800 a student to implement robust distance-learning plans and to cover new health and safety measures.

GVSU increases financial aid, tuition and delays FY2021 budget until state finalizes appropriations

By Patrick Center • Jun 22, 2020

Grand Valley State University arch photo — gvsu.edu

Grand Valley State University’s Board of Trustees is delaying its 2021 budget awaiting state appropriations clarity. It did approve a boost in student financial aid while also raising tuition.

The coronavirus pandemic shifted the education model at Grand Valley State University from classroom to virtual learning.

Michigan colleges plan for fall instruction amid pandemic

By Associated Press • Jun 1, 2020

diploma, cap and books — wallpaperflare.com

Michigan colleges and universities are making plans for resuming instruction in the fall, but officials are still uncertain about how institutions will function due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Some Michigan schools are preparing for in class meetings and lots of social distancing, while others are opting to continue classes online, The Detroit News reported. TAll of the schools are considering different approaches in their plans to reopen after in-person classes were cancelled this spring.

KISD hosts virtual meeting with community leaders a first step for reopening area schools

By Patrick Center • May 29, 2020

The Kent Intermediate Superintendents Association hosted a virtual meeting with local education, health and business leaders. It was the first step engaging the community discussing recommendations for reopening schools this fall.

“Reopening our economy cannot happen in its entirety until schools are also reopen”

Two West Michigan education leaders appointed to Michigan Education Trust Board

By Patrick Center • May 25, 2020

Dr. Philomena V. Mantella — GVSU / gvsu.edu

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taped two West Michigan education leaders to the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors.

The Michigan Education Trust is the state’s 529 prepaid college tuition plan. It’s operated by the Michigan Department of Treasury. It allows parents to purchase credit hours at today’s cost for the future education of their children.

Massive layoffs and program cuts coming if lawmakers don't help, says West Michigan superintendents

By Daniel Boothe • May 20, 2020

With over one $1 billion less in the Michigan School Aid Fund than once projected, West Michigan superintendents are calling on lawmakers in Washington for help. 41 Superintendents of school districts in Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties make up the West Michigan Talent Triangle, a collective of West Michigan school leaders who “drive policy decisions that are focused on the best interests of students,” according to its website.

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