Benson education plan: Up teacher pay, tackle absenteeism, change constitution

May 28, 2026

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has unveiled an ambitious education reform plan aimed at making Michigan a top-10 state for education. Her proposal includes expanding free pre-kindergarten to all 3- and 4-year-olds, establishing a $60,000 minimum teacher salary, and developing a comprehensive statewide strategy to combat chronic absenteeism. The plan also seeks to amend the state constitution to guarantee a right to quality education and dedicate the School Aid Fund exclusively to K-12 education rather than also funding higher education institutions.

Who is affected

Michigan K-12 students, particularly 3- and 4-year-olds who would gain access to pre-K
Teachers, especially starting teachers who would benefit from the $60,000 minimum salary
The nearly 28% of K-12 students currently chronically absent
Michigan's 800+ school districts, charter schools, and intermediate school districts
Special education students who would receive additional funding
Child care providers serving infants and toddlers who may be priced out
Pregnant women and babies who would benefit from expanded RxKids cash assistance
High school students who would receive improved post-secondary pathways by 10th grade
Students who participate in summer or year-of-service programs through stipends
Community colleges and public universities currently funded through the School Aid Fund

What action is being taken

Benson released her education plan on Thursday
Benson is running against Democrat Chris Swanson and Republicans Mike Cox, John James, Perry Johnson, and Aric Nesbitt in the gubernatorial race
Several groups are currently working to overhaul the state's high school graduation requirements
The state currently offers tuition-free pre-K to 4-year-olds and runs a pilot program for 3-year-olds

Why it matters

Michigan's education system is severely underperforming, with fourth-grade reading scores ranking 44th nationally and only 54.6% of 2025 high school graduates enrolling in college within six months. The state previously set a goal in 2015 to become a top-10 education state within 10 years but has failed to achieve this target. Without significant educational improvements, Michigan cannot reach its economic potential as "the economic engine of the Midwest," as many students graduate without being college or career ready. The state's low starting teacher salary of $41,645 (ranking 44th nationally) and chronic absenteeism affecting over a quarter of students represent critical systemic failures that impact the state's future workforce and economic competitiveness.

What's next

Benson awaits more information and action from Governor Whitmer regarding the federal tax credit scholarship program
The plan would require buy-in from the Legislature to implement most proposals
Benson aims to establish a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to high-quality education
The Michigan Education Association has yet to endorse a candidate in the gubernatorial election
Implementation would involve tracking and engaging all 800 school districts with clear timelines and responsibilities

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com