Michigan’s K-12 public school attendance rate has risen to 91.3% for the 2024–25 school year, a 0.5% increase from the previous year. Chronic absenteeism has also dropped to 27.9%, showing steady progress over the past three years, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
Dr. Delsa Chapman noted the success of the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System, now used in 263 districts, which has improved attendance in 171 districts and reduced absenteeism in 169. Flint Community Schools raised attendance from 76.6% to 78.3%, and Lawrence Public Schools increased from 93.1% to 94.1% through family engagement and partnerships with local businesses, as reported by the Michigan Department of Education.
Michigan’s 2026 state school aid budget includes $64.4 million for early literacy materials, $65 million for a K-3 class size reduction pilot in high-poverty areas, and $10 million for Science of Reading teacher training. The budget also continues funding for free school meals, supports Career and Technical Education programs, and raises the per pupil foundation allowance by 4.6% to $10,050. Virtual instructional days will no longer count toward the annual school day, and teacher professional development days are not counted as instructional time, as stated by the Michigan Department of Education.
