Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke of significant changes to Michigan education during her final State of the State Address on Wednesday. School leaders from Hillman and Traverse City are now evaluating how these updates to literacy training, funding and preschool access will impact their districts.
District leaders expressed specific concerns regarding the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS, training. Under the new proposal, educators who were not originally trained in the LETRS format must undergo retraining in the science-based reading style. The state will provide funding for this training.
Dr. Pamela L. Rader, superintendent for Hillman Community Schools, questioned why the state is mandating one specific program when some districts have already invested in other certified methods. “There’s other science of reading resources out there that some schools have already invested in and now they’re going to have to send teachers and staff back through trainings,” Rader said. “Orton-Gillingham, for example. They may be certified or had training in that area. They’re going to have to now do the LTRS training.”
Funding equity remains a primary concern for rural districts. Rader noted that Hillman lost money this year despite an increase in per-pupil funding from the state. “I’ve got staff that’s had to take, cuts in time and lose insurance,” Rader said. “I was committed to not letting anybody lose their job.”
Dr. John VanWagoner, superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools, said that rural areas in Northern Michigan often struggle to have their financial needs recognized compared to urban centers. “Many times, rural northern Michigan, in the inequities that we have are are drowned out by what you might see in some of the urban areas,” VanWagoner said. He added that his district will continue to advocate for tax dollars that ensure equitable funding for the region.
The state plan includes extra assistance for students in need, a goal Hillman has pursued for years through MiLEAP. Rader said the small size of her district has made this difficult in the past. “I’m very grateful that they are looking at that and they understand that not every school is the same,” Rader said regarding the new state support.
VanWagoner said larger districts like Traverse City appreciate the new resources for student proficiency. “We know that, you know, when when we have kids that are behind more time is one of the best ways for us to be able to get them to be proficient and ready for that next grade,” VanWagoner said.
The Governor also discussed free preschool for children under age 4. Rader said she supports the expansion but believes the program should be managed more directly by the school system. “I personally feel like, you know, preschool should probably be under the umbrella of the school a little more than what it is,” Rader said.
VanWagoner adds that there’s a big difference for kids that are ready for kindergarten when they get there.