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Making the Grade in Michigan

Listen Tuesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FMAccording to the Kids Count report of April 2018, 56% of third graders in Michigan are not proficient in English Language Arts. At the same time, some new public school teachers in Michigan are leaving the classroom because they do not earn enough money for a decent living. Virtual and charter schools are on the rise in Michigan. And in some communities there are breakthroughs in raising better readers.Covering education in Michigan is complex, but WKAR is committed to reporting on the problems, searching for solutions, and holding leaders accountable.Listen for Making The Grade in Michigan with WKAR education reporter Kevin Lavery every Tuesday at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on 90.5 WKAR-FM's Morning Edition.

School District Millages Pass in Lansing, Mason

WKAR Public Media | By Kevin Lavery

Published May 8, 2019 at 12:08 AM EDT

States are beginning to plan to pivot to conduct largely vote by mail elections during the coronavirus pandemic. In Michigan, two to three million voters are expected to vote from home. — Ingham County voters approved school district millages in Lansing and Mason on Tuesday.

Ingham County voters approved school district ballot proposals in Lansing and Mason in Tuesday’s election.

The Lansing Public Schools asked for – and received – a three mill, 10-year sinking fund that will raise $7.3 million for school security upgrades and building repair and construction. In Mason, an operating millage renewal was approved by a comfortable margin. The fees imposed on business property will allow the Mason school district to remain eligible for its state per pupil funding allowance.

In Dansville, a millage that would have raised less than $195,000 over 10 years failed by more than 100 votes.

Also in Ingham County, voters OK’d a nearly $25 million bond issue for the Okemos Public Schools. That funding will pay for a number of improvements, including a sizeable remodeling project at Bennett Woods Elementary.

In Charlotte, voters said no to an almost $28 million bond issue. Unlike Okemos, Charlotte schools have seen declining enrollment, which may have contributed to the bond issue’s defeat.