Our State of Education Podcast By Cumulus Media Detroit cover art

Our State of Education

Our State of Education

By: Cumulus Media Detroit
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“Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan. Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world. From K–12 classrooms to afterschool and summer programs, we spotlight the innovations transforming how young people learn and lead. Tune in for candid conversations with students, parents, educators, business leaders, and lawmakers as they share the challenges they face—and the solutions they’re building.2025 ~ Cumulus Media Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • School Funding: Why, How, & What’s Next

    School Funding: Why, How, & What’s Next
    Mar 10 2026
    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.
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    42 mins
  • Reporting Live From the Field

    Reporting Live From the Field
    Feb 17 2026
    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.
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    42 mins
  • Big Shifts in Education, What’s Ahead for 2026

    Big Shifts in Education, What’s Ahead for 2026
    Jan 13 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.
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    42 mins
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