Michigan Education & Schools

Buena Vista schools crisis 'a train wreck' that shows Michigan's structural funding problem, Tom Watkins says

2013-05-22T16:00:00Z

"You could see a train wreck coming almost a decade ago," said former State Superintendent Tom Watkins.

Guest view of Tom Watkins: Buena Vista School mess is a sign of things to come

2013-05-22T14:00:08Z

There is going to be continual crises facing Michigan schools until the unsustainable, structural funding issues surrounding our schools are addressed.

Buena Vista schools expels, suspends eight students; district recalls five employees

2013-05-21T22:56:00Z

Eight students are expelled or suspended from Buena Vista School District.

Buena Vista School District at 77.5 percent attendance, 50 high-schoolers remain absent

2013-05-21T21:08:00Z

There are 339 students in the district, down about 90 students from before the two-week closure.

Lansing School District to trim $25 million from budget

2013-05-21T20:00:18Z

Significant concessions by the teachers union helped to make the budget trimming possible.

Live coverage: Buena Vista informational meeting, special board meeting after school reopens

2013-05-21T19:50:00Z

The Board of Education has a special meeting following at 5:30 p.m.

Energy efficiency: New provider expected to save GRCC $850,000 over 15 years

2013-05-21T19:16:54Z

Grand Rapids Community College expects to save more than $850,000 over a 15-year period by mothballing its boilers and purchasing steam from a local provider.

Changes at unique aerospace high school protested by Detroit officials

2013-05-21T17:15:22Z

"It's the only high school in the nation where you can graduate from high school and get a pilot's license... before your driver's license."

Michigan Department of Education considering Buena Vista schools for emergency financial review

2013-05-21T15:25:00Z

Although school is back in session at Buena Vista schools, a state takeover is still on the table for the Saginaw County district.

'Highly effective' leadership: GRCC trustees explain how President Steve Ender is helping the college

2013-05-20T23:32:14Z

Grand Rapids Community College President Steve Ender is a “highly effective” leader, keeping the school on sound financial footing while it undergoes facility renovations and projects to improving student performance, the board of trustees said Monday.

Davenport, GRCC prepare for second year with high schoolers in tuition-free Middle College program

2013-05-20T14:15:00Z

Kenowa and Wyoming high school students in the Middle College program will graduate with an associate's degree and diploma.

Students, teachers return to Buena Vista schools after schools close for two weeks

2013-05-20T12:35:00Z

Buena Vista schools are back open after a two-week closure.

One year later: Kenowa Hills' graduating seniors choose to celebrate with tents, not bicycles

2013-05-20T11:15:00Z

In 2012, 65 graduating seniors were suspended on the last day of school for a 3-mile unauthorized celebratory bike ride to school.

Michigan lawmaker, Board of Education president spar over charter schools and financial oversight

2013-05-18T18:10:42Z

The debate comes as public school districts in Buena Vista, Albion and Pontiac struggle with finances.

Flint teen earns three college degrees before getting high school diploma

2013-05-18T12:00:26Z

18-year-old Jasmine Cofield received the Phil Braun Award at MCC, which is awarded to the graduate each year with the most outstanding scholarship. Cofield, who graduated from MCC with a 4.0 GPA, is the first student from Mott Middle College to ever receive the award.

'Targeted' searches to recruit school superintendents called into question

2013-05-18T11:00:27Z

Portage Public Schools and the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency are both using a so-called "targeted" search process to pick a new leader, a strategy getting more attention in Michigan but raising questions about board transparency and accountability -- not to mention compliance with Michigan law.

Eric Baerren: Schools as labs, kids as rats

2013-05-18T10:37:11Z

Buena Vista School District would have used 400 students as lab rats if the district had shut down.

Buena Vista schools open Monday, financial crisis remains

2013-05-18T00:14:00Z

Buena Vista students and teachers are headed back in the classroom Monday.

Live coverage: Buena Vista to recall laid off staff, 27 teachers

2013-05-17T21:20:00Z

Buena Vista teachers and staff may be back to work in a day or two after a two-week lay off.

Central Michigan University approves Saginaw medical school plans, additional $350,000 in funding

2013-05-17T18:20:00Z

The Board of Trustees on Friday, May 17, approved an additional $350,000 in planning and design funding and authorized President George E. Ross to move forward with Phase 1 construction this fall.