The Lead Off
- A northern Michigan school attendance program credited with reducing chronic absenteeism could lose key state funding under proposed Michigan budgets.
- State officials say the School Success Partnership program overlaps with other services, while school leaders argue it fills a critical gap.
- Lawmakers are expected to finalize the state budget by September, leaving the program’s future uncertain.
LANSING, MI (WOWO) A Michigan program credited with helping reduce chronic student absenteeism is facing the possibility of losing nearly half of its funding under proposed state budget plans, according to educators and state officials.
The School Success Partnership program, which operates in more than 50 schools across 12 counties, currently receives about $1.5 million in state funding. That allocation is not included in budget proposals from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan House, or the Michigan Senate for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The program is operated through the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency according to Bridge Michigan.
Program credited with reducing absenteeism
School officials say the program plays a direct role in improving student attendance and academic performance by connecting families with schools and community services.
Lisa Werth, a School Success liaison at Sanborn Elementary south of Alpena, works directly with students and families to address barriers to attendance.
Werth’s duties include assisting families with basic needs, coordinating transportation, and supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.
School leaders say those efforts are tied to improved attendance rates in participating schools.
According to a Bridge Michigan analysis of available data, 16 of 20 elementary schools with School Success liaisons reported chronic absenteeism rates below the state average of 24.7% in 2024-25.
At Onaway Elementary School, chronic absenteeism reportedly fell from 20.6% to 12.8% after the program was introduced.
State says program overlaps with other services
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the program is being phased out because it overlaps with the Family Impact Team, a separate initiative operating in 72 counties.
Officials said both programs focus on preventing crises by connecting families to social services, including Medicaid and other supports.
The Family Impact Team program is funded at approximately $26 million and primarily operates in counties not currently served by School Success.
School leaders dispute redundancy claim
Local educators say the two programs serve different roles and that School Success liaisons provide direct, school-based support that is not replicated elsewhere.
Traverse City Area Public Schools Superintendent John VanWagoner said he has seen limited interaction with the Family Impact Team but frequent engagement with School Success staff in schools.
VanWagoner said the program has been especially important in addressing attendance challenges linked to poverty and academic performance.
“It’s a critical program that helps a ton of northern Michigan students,” VanWagoner said.
Program works directly with families and students
Program staff describe their work as focused on removing barriers that prevent students from attending school regularly.
Dorothy Pintar, director of the School Success Partnership program, said staff members assist families with housing, food access, transportation, and other needs that affect attendance.
“We remove the barriers to be able to work with the family first, get their basic needs met, so they can focus on their child,” Pintar said.
The program began in 1991 in Alpena Public Schools and has expanded across northern Michigan in recent decades.
Education outcomes and attendance trends
Michigan continues to report high rates of chronic absenteeism, with more than 28% of students missing at least 10% of school days, according to recent data cited in the report.
State education performance data also shows Michigan fourth graders scoring below national averages in reading, with 25% proficiency on the most recent assessment compared to 30% nationally.
Educators interviewed in the report said attendance challenges are closely tied to academic performance, particularly in rural areas.
Funding uncertainty and legislative response
The program currently operates on a mix of funding sources, with nearly half coming from the state allocation now at risk.
Program leaders say they may need to seek increased contributions from local school districts, though officials indicate that additional funding from schools may be difficult to secure.
State Rep. John Roth, R–Interlochen, who oversees the relevant budget committee, said he is considering options for one-time funding support.
Lawmakers are expected to finalize the Michigan state budget, projected at roughly $80 billion, by September.
Next steps
The future of the School Success Partnership program will depend on ongoing budget negotiations in Lansing. Program leaders are continuing to pursue grant funding and legislative support as discussions continue ahead of the final state budget deadline.
The Takeaway
Funding decision could reshape program
The School Success Partnership program, credited with improving attendance in northern Michigan schools, is not included in proposed state budgets and faces potential cuts.
State argues overlap with other services
Officials say the program is redundant with the Family Impact Team initiative, which provides similar family support services across a broader range of counties.
Schools push to preserve local impact
Educators and administrators argue the program provides unique, school-based support that directly improves attendance and student outcomes, particularly in rural communities.
