Our State of Education

Detroit’s Groundbreaking Plan for Youth

May 4, 2026 ~ Detroit’s new mayor is putting young people at the center of city government, and this episode looks at how that vision is taking shape. Hosts Angelique Power of The Skillman Foundation and WJR’s Lloyd Jackson speak with Mayor Mary Sheffield and her team about a first-of-its-kind, citywide approach to youth, education, and the challenges students face beyond the classroom. Listen to learn how Detroit plans to better coordinate transportation, after-school opportunities, and youth voices across city government. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New State Superintendent's Vision for Michigan’s Schools

April 13, 2026 ~ Michigan’s public education system is entering an important new chapter, shaped by statewide decisions that affect classrooms, communities, and students across the state. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe a strong public education system depends on a clear vision, shared responsibility and leadership that keeps students at the center. The choices made at the state level play a critical role in how schools serve young people and families. In this episode of Our State of Education, we are joined by Michigan’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Glenn Maleyko, to explore his vision for Michigan’s education system, the role of the State Superintendent, and the priorities guiding this moment. We will discuss where Michigan is headed and what it will take to build a system that helps every student thrive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

School Funding: Why, How, & What’s Next

March 9, 2026 ~ We are taking a step back to examine one of the most important and least understood parts of Michigan’s education system: how public schools are funded. From Proposal A to more recent policy updates, Michigan’s funding system has been shaped over decades of decisions that continue to influence what schools can offer students today. At the Skillman Foundation we believe a strong, future-ready education system is foundational to opportunity, economic vitality, and thriving communities. While funding changes have helped address some disparities, slow overall investment growth and rising student needs have created new challenges that affect classrooms across the state. Our guests—State Senator Sarah Anthony; Venessa Keesler, President & CEO of Launch Michigan; and Craig Thiel, Research Director of Citizens Research Council—help break down how school funding works today, why it looks the way it does, and what improvements could make possible for students, educators, and communities statewide. This conversation offers context for understanding where Michigan’s education system stands, and what it will take to strengthen it for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reporting Live From the Field

Feb. 16, 2026 ~ We’re going behind the news desk to get the scoop on what is happening in schools from local education reporters Lori Higgins, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Detroit, Isabel Lohman, education reporter at Bridge Michigan, and Sascha Raiyn, news reporter at WDET. Education news isn’t just about test scores. It’s about what our students are experiencing, how this helps or hinders them, and what can be done to better support them. It’s about whose perspectives are being heard as decisions are made. This is a critical time for education in Michigan, so we are turning the tables and interviewing the interviewers. Tune in for their real take on it all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Shifts in Education, What’s Ahead for 2026

Jan. 12, 2026 ~ We’re looking back at the major education policy shifts of 2025—nationally and here in Michigan—and exploring what they indicate for the year ahead. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe every citizen should have a shot at the American dream, and that starts with a strong, future-forward public education system. Constant reforms are happening to update and upgrade schools, although not all are effective or positive. Public education, like democracy itself, is a perpetual project that requires our steadfast commitment and ongoing examination. Our guests, Bethany Little, managing principal at EducationCounsel, and Regina Bell, chief policy officer at the Council of Michigan Foundations, help us examine what happened in K-12 education policy last year—the good and the not-so-good—and what is on the horizon as we enter the new year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.