COVID and Schools

Lunch woes? Staff shortages? Quarantines? Tell us how Michigan’s school year is going.

By 
Koby Levin
and
Caroline Bauman
 | October 29, 2021, 4:51pm UTC
This Chalkbeat callout shows children eating lunch at a long table in Detroit.
Most Michigan students are back to learning in-person, a welcome change after a year in virtual school. But COVID remains a major obstacle to education. As we continue to cover this challenging, hopeful year, we’re asking parents to guide us. (Anthony Lanzilote for Chalkbeat)

When Michigan schools reopened this fall, the new semester was hailed as an opportunity for academic and social recovery after a COVID-scrambled school year.

So far, the results have been mixed.

Most students are back to learning in person, a welcome change after a challenging year in virtual school. But COVID remains a major obstacle to education.

Just ask the students in lengthy quarantines, parents concerned about shortages of special education aides and security guards, and families that had to scramble after their child’s school was closed due to a COVID outbreak.

As we continue to cover this challenging, hopeful year, we’re asking parents to guide us.

Please tell us about your concerns and priorities by filling out the survey below. If you have trouble viewing the survey, go here.

The Latest
Mayoral control, school funding boost, and 2-care: What to know about Hochul’s budget proposal

Hochul proposed a four-year extension of mayoral control, which would give Mayor Zohran Mamdani control of the city’s schools for his entire first term.

By 
Alex Zimmerman
and
Abigail Kramer
 | January 20
Gov. Mikie Sherrill inaugurated in Newark as education leaders await her first actions

During her Tuesday inauguration, Sherrill made few mentions about education but pledged to address concerns about safety, education, and economic stability for New Jersey residents.

By 
Jessie Gómez
 | January 20
Fewer Chicago school-aged kids are enrolled in the city’s public schools, a new analysis finds

A report from the advocacy group Kids First Chicago found that the district’s “market share” has slipped from 75% to 71% since 2018.

By 
Mila Koumpilova
 | January 20
The Trump administration’s confusing strategy on education

Officials are dismantling the Education Department but vowing to keep its programs. So what’s the point?

By 
Matt Barnum
 | January 20
IPS posts greatest enrollment decline since pandemic, while enrollment also dips at charters

The declines could set up financial challenges for both sectors as Indianapolis schools face a potential revamp.

By 
Amelia Pak-Harvey
and
Thomas Wilburn
 | January 20
Federal judge recommends dismissing Colorado school districts’ suit on transgender athletes’ rights

District 49, a conservative-leaning district near Colorado Springs, spearheaded the lawsuit last spring.

By 
Ann Schimke
 | January 16