Northern Michigan found a way to cut school absenteeism. Now Lansing may defund it

A Northeast Michigan program aimed at reducing student absenteeism is at risk of defunding as state funding disappears from 2026-27 budget proposals. The School Success Partnership operates in more than 50 schools across 12 counties, with liaison staff bridging schools, families and community services to tackle barriers to attendance. The initiative has been praised as a model, yet almost half of its funding comes from a $1.5 million state allocation that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican-led Legislature have not included in their budgets. Local officials warn the cuts could undermine literacy and attainment efforts in the region.