12 Michigan Schools Honored for Blue Ribbon Recognition 

12 Michigan Schools Honored for Blue Ribbon Recognition 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES 

October 1, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Sends Tributes to 12 Michigan Schools Honored for National Blue Ribbon Recognition 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent tributes to 12 Michigan schools for being named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious recognition is awarded annually to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

 

“I’m proud of our work to build a strong public education system that gives every Michigan student a real opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Whitmer. “These twelve schools represent the best of what’s possible when we invest in our kids, teachers, and communities. Their achievements show that every child can thrive academically and have a bright future with the right support. We will continue working together to ensure all of our schools have the resources they need to empower our students, close achievement gaps, and help families continue to make it here in Michigan.”

 

“Education is the key to unlocking the full potential of every Michigan student,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These National Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what happens when we prioritize student success and close achievements gaps across our state. By investing in our schools and ensuring that every child has access to the best educational opportunities, we’re empowering future leaders and innovators. We are grateful to the educators, students, and communities that made this achievement possible. Together, we will continue building a Michigan where every child can thrive, and every family can stand tall.”

 

12 Michigan Schools Honored for National Blue Ribbon Recognition:

  • Chandler Woods Charter Academy (high performing), located in Belmont.
  • Hill Elementary School (high performing), Davison Community Schools.
  • Dearborn STEM Middle School (high performing), Dearborn Public Schools.
  • Pembroke Academy (achievement gap closing), located in Detroit.
  • Lake Hills Elementary School (high performing), Grand Haven Area Public Schools.
  • Rosy Mound Elementary School (high performing), Grand Haven Area Public Schools.
  • Hughes Elementary School (achievement gap closing), Marshall Public Schools.
  • Moraine Elementary School (high performing), Northville Public Schools.
  • Pellston Elementary School (achievement gap closing), Pellston Public Schools.
  • Meadow Ridge Elementary (high performing) School, Rockford Public Schools.
  • Handley Elementary School (high performing), Saginaw Public Schools.
  • Hamilton Elementary School (high performing), Troy School District.

 

Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.

 

“I am immensely proud of the students, teachers, and staff of Moraine Elementary for being recognized as one of the top performing schools in the state,” said Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield). “This is a significant accomplishment and testament to the hard work and dedication they show in the classroom every day. I want to offer my sincere congratulations — it is truly an honor to serve you and all of our District 13 schools at the Capitol, where I am working alongside colleagues to ensure our future leaders are set up for success. Keep up the good work.”

 

“Handley Elementary School is always leading the way for best education practices and raising the bar for student growth and success. This recognition as a National Blue-Ribbon School Program is a point of pride for our entire community,” said Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City). “I am proud to extend my congratulations and to join them in celebrating this achievement.”

 

“Winning this award is a remarkable achievement for the staff, administration, and students of Pembroke Academy, and it reflects the school’s dedication to academic excellence,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “Congratulations to everyone involved — from parents to teachers, it truly takes a community effort.”

 

“Congratulations to the students and teachers of Dearborn STEM Academy. Your dedication to both learning and teaching has led to this well-deserved award,” said state Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “This achievement reflects your daily efforts, and it’s exciting to see your hard work be honored on a national scale.”

 

“This is an exciting day for Dearborn STEM Middle School,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). “Our middle school and its students are being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for being a high-performing school. I would like to congratulate all the students, teachers and staff who have worked so hard to get this recognition. I am very proud of you all.”

 

“I would like to congratulate Hamilton Elementary School for being recognized as a high-performing school by the U.S. Department of Education,” said state Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy). “This is an incredible achievement that the students, teachers, staff, and families all deserve. They all worked so hard to achieve this recognition, and I am very proud of them. Congratulations, Hamilton Elementary school — you’ve earned it!”

 

“I’m proud of my community, our people and our successes,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). “I congratulate Handley Elementary School on this wonderful achievement, as a high-performing school, right here in Saginaw. What an accomplishment to be celebrated — shout out to Principal Julie Miller for all the hard work and to the teachers and staff who have dedicated their time and knowledge to our kids.”

 

“This recognition is a testament to the teachers, staff and parents at Moraine Elementary and their bright-minded students,” said state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “Their hard work and care for every child’s education journey is evident in their students’ achievement and love for learning. Congratulations to Moraine Elementary for this well-deserved recognition as a high-performing school!”

 

“Congratulations to the teachers, staff, and students at Pembroke Academy for receiving this title from the U.S. Department of Education for their incredible work to close the achievement gap for their students,” said state Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley). “This is proof that our kids thrive when teachers and parents work together to help students develop the critical skills they need to grow into future leaders of our communities. I want to thank the dedicated staff at Pembroke Academy for putting their students first.”

 

OC launches first-of-its-kind student debt relief initiative

OC launches first-of-its-kind student debt relief initiative

Oakland County launches first-of-its-kind student debt relief initiative in partnership with Savi

Post Date:09/30/2024 12:27 PM

UPDATEThe portal for Oakland County residents to access student debt relief services offered by Savi is now open. Residents and Oakland County government employees can register today through Sept. 30, 2025 to receive a year of free services to aid in alleviating student debt.

Oakland County and Savi also are co-hosting live informational webinars to give people a chance to ask questions of Savi staff. The first session is at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, with special guests County Executive Dave Coulter and Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward. The second session is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 with Coulter and County Commissioner Brendan Johnson. For more information, go to oakgov.com/savi.

• This initiative aims to provide support to some of the 172,000 Oakland County residents collectively carrying $6 billion in student debt.
• The county has negotiated an agreement with Savi to ensure county residents and employees can access Savi’s services and platform at no cost for one year.
• Student debt in America has soared to exceed $1.6 trillion, outpacing credit card debt and trailing only mortgage debt.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is helping to alleviate the financial burdens of student debt for Oakland County residents. The Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative, established by the Board of Commissioners in collaboration with County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration, has created an innovative partnership with Savi, a social impact company dedicated to lowering student loan payments and facilitating the loan forgiveness process for borrowers.

The Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution at its July 18 meeting to allocate up to $500,000 for the program, which is led by Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) and Commissioner Brendan Johnson (D-Rochester Hills). This agreement will ensure that all county residents and employees with student loan debt will have access to Savi’s services for one year (upon registration) at no cost.

“Reducing student debt is a crucial step towards promoting economic prosperity and alleviating financial stress for our residents,” said Johnson, who carries college debt. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting the future of Oakland County.”

Savi’s platform is designed to help borrowers throughout the entire journey of their loan, from assisting them in finding new repayment or forgiveness options to enrolling them into the plans and providing ongoing support if they run into any issues with their student loan servicer. Today, Oakland County has 172,000 residents who collectively carry $6 billion in student debt. Through Savi’s platform, residents can potentially save thousands of dollars in student loan payments.

“Oakland County is committed to providing meaningful financial relief to our residents,” Coulter said. “This partnership with Savi will make a real difference in reducing student debt burden that all too often holds people back from doing things like buying homes or cars or starting a family.”

Tobin Van Ostern, the co-founder of Savi, agrees with Coulter about the impact this partnership will have across the community.

“Oakland County is leading the way for the nation when it comes to helping residents with student loan debt. We are humbled to be a part of Oakland County’s Student Debt Relief Initiative that will help thousands of residents tackle one of the biggest financial burdens millions of Americans face: student loans,” said Tobin Van Ostern, co-founder of Savi. “Through this partnership, Oakland County residents will have the ability to quickly find and maximize savings through their new repayment and forgiveness options.”

Student debt in America has soared to exceed $1.6 trillion, exceeding credit card debt and trailing only mortgage debt. In Oakland County, thousands of residents face this growing financial challenge.

“The Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative represents a significant milestone as the first county-wide program of its kind in the United States, setting a precedent for other counties to follow,” Woodward said.

Recent executive actions by the Biden-Harris Administration, including the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, have expanded opportunities for debt forgiveness and reduction. “We applaud Oakland County leaders for initiating this opportunity for its residents,” said Glenn McIntosh, senior vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer for Oakland University, where the announcement was held. “This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community. We are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the lives of Oakland County residents.”

To date, Savi has identified over $3 billion in loan forgiveness, with an average forgiveness amount of $25,553 for qualifying borrowers. A public dashboard will be developed and made accessible on the county’s website. It will showcase the benefits and impact of the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative for residents and employees.

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit OakGov.com/BOC or call 248-858-0100.

Detroit Lions to Provide Nursing Rooms at Ford Field

Detroit Lions to Provide Nursing Rooms at Ford Field

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

The Michigan Education Savings Program Partners with the
Detroit Lions to Provide Nursing Rooms at Ford Field

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) is proud to announce its partnership with the Detroit Lions to provide nursing rooms for mothers inside Ford Field. This initiative aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, ensuring that families feel comfortable and supported while attending games.

The co-branded nursing rooms, located on three different levels of Ford Field, will be equipped with comfortable seating, changing tables, and privacy screens to ensure a peaceful and welcoming environment for mothers and their babies in a safe space. In addition, the rooms will be easily accessible to attendees and Lions family members, promoting inclusivity and support for breastfeeding mothers.

This partnership reflects MESP’s commitment to supporting families and promoting education and savings programs in Michigan.

“We are excited to partner with the Lions to support nursing mothers and families attending games at Ford Field,” said Diane Brewer, Program Manager of MESP. “This initiative aligns with our mission to create a more inclusive and family-friendly environment, and we are excited to support families while also promoting the importance of saving for their children’s future higher education expenses.”

The Detroit Lions are also excited about this collaboration and the opportunity to provide a comfortable space for mothers at the stadium.

“As an organization, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans,” said Detroit Lions Senior Vice President, Facilities, Todd Argust. “We are proud to partner with MESP to offer these nursing rooms and support families in our community”.

The partnership between MESP and the Detroit Lions highlights their shared commitment to supporting families, higher education, and promoting inclusivity in sports and entertainment venues.

About MESP

MESP is one of three Michigan Section 529 plans that offer Michigan taxpayers triple tax benefits! A state income tax deduction on contributions, tax-deferred growth on earnings, and withdrawals to pay for qualified higher education expenses are tax-free. MESP can be used at any eligible college, university, or trade school for a variety of qualified expenses, including tuition, mandatory equipment, fees, certain room, and board costs, supplies and books.

Program Administrator, Michigan Department of Treasury. To learn more about the Michigan Education Savings Program, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Program Description at MIsaves.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss.  TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Michigan Education Savings Program.

New tools, updates to boost election security

New tools, updates to boost election security

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 26, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Secretary Benson launches new tools, updates to boost election security and share nonpartisan voter information ahead of General Election

New additions include grant funding for election security, voter information texting tool, early voting awareness campaign, and a relaunched Election Fact Center

DETROIT, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced several nonpartisan voter information tools and election security updates to ensure Michigan voters are confident and ready to cast their ballot in the upcoming General Election. Before announcing these upgrades at a press conference at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center, Secretary Benson visited with the team, coaching staff, and employees about their important role in encouraging Michiganders to vote.

 

Starting today, 40 days before Election Day on Nov. 5, absentee ballots are available to voters statewide. Already, more than 1.8 million voters have requested their ballot, including 1.6 million voters who have opted to join the Permanent Absentee Ballot List.

 

“With absentee voting beginning today, we are entering a critical phase in this fall’s election season,” Secretary Benson said. “I know that I, along with the 1,600 bipartisan professional clerks across our state, will continue to spend every minute that we can working to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat in our state. We will do that because it’s our honor, our duty, and because we know that the votes our citizens will cast in the next 40 days will define the future of our country. So today is a call to action – for every eligible Michigan citizen – to take the time to check your registration and choose the voting option that’s best for you.”

 

“We are all in on Detroit,” said Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice chairman. “As an organization we all feel a tremendous sense of responsibility contributing to this community and there is nothing more important than getting out to vote, and encouraging everyone to have their voice heard and participate in this election. It is an honor for us to have the Secretary of State here today to speak to our players, coaching staff, and all our employees. We are all committed to working with you to do our best. We will vote and help others get out to vote and make sure their voices are heard. There is nothing more important.”

 

MI Vote Info Texting Tool

Secretary Benson announced a new nonpartisan voter information texting tool is now available. Voters can sign up by texting VOTE to 833-868-3009 to receive a one-time text with a link about five different topics:

  1. Request an absentee ballot
  2. Find your early voting site
  3. Make a plan for Election Day
  4. Become a poll worker
  5. Link to Vote411, the League of Women Voter’s nonpartisan election information guide

 

Absentee Ballot Tracking

Voters have already been able to visit Michigan.gov/Vote to track their ballots. Starting today, they can register to receive those notifications directly to their email inbox. Voters can see exactly where their ballot is in the process at all times and learn exactly when it has been accepted for tabulation by their clerk. There are three ways to sign up – when registering to vote, when submitting an online absentee ballot application, or by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote and clicking on the signup link.

 

“It’s Sooo Simple” early voting campaign

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is now running a series of social, streaming, and static ads as a part of a new “It’s Sooo Simple” early voting campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of the convenient options available to Michigan voters: vote absentee, or at an early voting site, or on Election Day. Many of the ads will feature the department’s “I Voted” winning sticker, the now-famous werewolf designed by Grosse Pointe student Jane Hynous.

 

WATCHIt’s Sooo Simple Campaign

 

Election Fact Center

Secretary Benson also relaunched the MDOS Election Fact Center – Michigan.gov/ElectionFacts– an official source of nonpartisan information on elections and voting in Michigan. The site includes facts about some of the most common questions or false claims about elections that the department has seen this year. To report election misinformation, email [email protected] with details, which will help MDOS keep the Election Fact Center updated and improve communication to voters.

 

Grant Funding

To support clerks making their final preparations ahead of Election Day, MDOS has allocated an additional $5 million in grant funding to jurisdictions statewide. The grants can be used to boost physical security and resiliency against cybersecurity threats, as well as to purchase additional voting equipment. Congress appropriated funds to states for the grants under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and the state Bureau of Elections released the grant program based on recent recommendations of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as well as security exercises conducted with local election officials.

 

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for detailed information about the General Election including how to register, important deadlines, and to find your local early voting site. 

 

# # #

General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson presented Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice chairman, with a t-shirt featuring one of Michigan’s winning “I Voted” stickers designed by Grosse Pointe student Jane Hynous.

 


General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson announced new tools, funding, and security upgrades while speaking to media at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center.

 


General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson (R) met with Detroit Pistons players, coaches, and employees to talk about the ways they can help encourage Michigan citizens to vote this year.

 


General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson spoke to the Detroit Pistons players, coaching staff, and employees encouraging them to serve as trusted community messengers about voting and participation in the 2024 General Election.

 

Whitmer Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Literacy Package 

Whitmer Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Literacy Package 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 26, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Literacy Package

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Michigan House/Senate passed Senate Bill 567 and 568, bipartisan legislation to improve literacy outcomes statewide by offering more screening and resources for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges and supporting evidence-based, science of reading curricula.

 

“To build a brighter future for Michigan, we must ensure our students have the skills they need to succeed, including literacy, which is directly tied to lifelong education, income, and health outcomes.

 

“Today’s commonsense, bipartisan package will allow teachers and tutors to use proven science of reading strategies to improve literacy. It will also strengthen professional development for our educators and more support and screening for dyslexia and other learning challenges.

 

“I am grateful to Senator Jeff Irwin, Senator Dayna Polehanki, all my partners in the Michigan Legislature on both sides of the aisle, and so many stakeholders who prioritized this issue. Together, we will help even more students read at higher levels and move our state forward.”

Michiganders Recognized for Asset Management Excellence

Michiganders Recognized for Asset Management Excellence

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Michiganders Recognized for Asset Management Excellence at State’s First-Ever 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference

Over 200 experts, government officials and industry leaders gather to learn about asset management best practices

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Individuals and agencies demonstrating excellence in infrastructure asset management were recognized at the state’s first-ever 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference in Grand Rapids, held Aug. 13 and 14 at the L.V. Eberhard Center at Grand Valley State University. Hosted in partnership with the Michigan Infrastructure CouncilTransportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) and the Water Asset Management Council (WAMC), more than 220 asset management professionals, local government officials and industry leaders were in attendance.

“The awards presented at the first-ever Integrated Infrastructure Conference highlight the critical role of asset management in ensuring that our infrastructure investments deliver long-term benefits for communities across the state,” said Palencia Mobley, P.E., chairperson of the MIC. “Asset management is the key to creating a sustainable future where our communities are connected, our natural resources are protected and our economy is resilient.”

Awards given at the 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference include:

MIC Asset Management Ambassador Award: John Weiss, Exec. Director, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council 

For the first time, the MIC presented the Asset Management Ambassador Award to John Weiss, executive director of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. Weiss was recognized for his leadership in accelerating asset management practices throughout his community and the state. Weiss was a driving force behind efforts to start the Asset Management Champions program in 2021 to help educate communities with accurate and trusted information to support effective infrastructure decisions. The Asset Management program has now grown to have over 500 graduates statewide in Michigan and over 70 counties have asset management champions.  Weiss has extensive experience in the asset management sector, having previously served as chairperson of the MIC and the Kent County Road Commission. Weiss also served on the West Michigan Regional Prosperity Alliance, the 21st Century Infrastructure Pilot for West Michigan and was the Township Supervisor of Cannon Township. Over the course of many years, Weiss has continuously contributed to improving infrastructure planning and sustainability in Michigan.

MIC Chairperson, Palencia Mobley, P.E., presenting John Weiss with the Asset Management Ambassador Award

MIC Chairperson, Palencia Mobley, P.E., presenting John Weiss with the Asset Management Ambassador Award

TAMC Organizational Achievement Award: MDOT, Bureau of Bridges and Structures Ancillary Structures Program

The Organizational Achievement was given to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Bureau of Bridges and Structures for their Ancillary Structures Program. This program complements the MDOT Transportation Asset Management Plan and is one of the few in the nation that integrates ancillary structure asset types in the management of planning and design processes. The Program is creating a new standard in MDOT’s funding strategies for public roadway stewardship and enhancing road users’ safety and quality of life.

Mike Halloran, Structure Program Division Admin., Bureau of Bridges and Structures, MDOT and Terry Johnson, HNTB.

Mike Halloran, Structure Program Division Admin., Bureau of Bridges and Structures, MDOT and Terry Johnson, HNTB.

TAMC Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award: Rick DeVries P.E., Asst. City Engineer, City of Grand Rapids

The Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award was given to Rick DeVries, P.E., Assistant City Engineer from the City of Grand Rapids. DeVries has shown great leadership in asset management and continues to advocate for transportation asset management and successful strategies. Devries played a critical role in the City’s 21st Infrastructure Task Force in 2002 and has since developed investment and planning strategies to improve the system of transportation assets in Grand Rapids.

Rick DeVries, Asst. City Engineer of Grand Rapids, receives the TAMC Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award from TAMC Chair, Joanna Johnson.

Rick DeVries P.E., Asst. City Engineer, City of Grand Rapids and receiving TAMC Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award from TAMC Chair, Joanna Johnson.

The 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference was a significant step in fostering a culture of collaboration in Michigan’s infrastructure planning. The two-day event provided education opportunities on best practices, covering sectors such as energy, communications, water and transportation. Attendees participated in sessions on topics ranging from infrastructure resiliency to artificial intelligence in infrastructure and data-driven asset management, positioning Michigan as a leader in forward-thinking infrastructure planning.

About the Michigan Infrastructure Council

Cultivating partnerships that strengthen Michigan’s Infrastructure to provide the foundation for public and environmental health, economic prosperity and quality of life.