Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Every Child Reads Champions Council, a new advisory body created to guide Michigan's statewide literacy plan. The council, created through Executive Order 2026-12, will advise on and strengthen the state's literacy efforts for all students.
Kevin Polston, superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools, was designated chair. The council also includes Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University; Alesia Flye, assistant superintendent and chief academic officer for the Macomb Intermediate School District; Dr. Nicole Hamp, chief health and program officer at the Autism Alliance of Michigan; Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and chief executive officer of United Way for Southeastern Michigan; Angelique Power, president and chief executive officer of The Skillman Foundation; Brandon Gleaton, senior portfolio manager for PreK-20 education at Ballmer Group; Carrissa Rondeau, founder and owner of Functional Behavior Services; Ronald Hall, president and chief executive officer of Bridgewater Interiors LLC; and Tan-A Hoffman, director of education for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
According to the Governor's office, the council brings together leaders with diverse expertise including lifelong education, business, philanthropy, and tribal communities, representing urban, suburban, and rural areas as well as early childhood education and English learner populations.
Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget allocates $502 million for literacy initiatives. The funding breaks down to $129.1 million for early childhood programs including PreK for All and early intervention; $146.1 million for teacher training and reading instruction methods; and $195.6 million for tutoring, after-school programs, and adult education.
Since launching the Every Child Reads initiative, the state reported progress. More than 13,200 educators have enrolled in or completed training in reading science through LETRS. More districts are adopting proven curriculum and assessments, and more literacy coaches have been deployed to strengthen instruction. PreK enrollment has increased, with parents saving an estimated $14,000 per year per child, according to the Governor's office.