Dozens of Michigan parents and disability advocates convened Monday in Saginaw for a State Board of Education Special Education Committee meeting, pressing state officials to strengthen support for students with disabilities. The gathering marked the committee’s first public session outside Lansing since its formation in June, underscoring the urgency families feel.
Parents call for accountability and resources
State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh, a Democrat from Saginaw, opened the meeting by acknowledging the challenges: “We acknowledge that we are in a tough place… we do not have all the answers.” She pledged to keep listening to families, even as the board works to chart a clear path forward.
Parents shared personal stories of children missing critical services. Terricina Jackson, a Saginaw advocate and mother of a 9‑year‑old with autism, urged the board to hold administrators and districts accountable for violations of children’s rights and for failing to provide required individualized education programs (IEPs). “I have not seen any real implementation in five years,” she said, describing the meeting as largely a photo opportunity.
Other parents echoed similar concerns. Sarah Earle, mother of a 14‑year‑old, emphasized that “these kids deserve the very best just like everybody else.” Jennifer Gruesbeck of Saginaw Township warned that families should not have to reach a breaking point to secure basic services, noting the extra burden of becoming de‑facto special‑education experts.
Systemic challenges highlighted
The meeting highlighted several systemic issues: chronic shortages of special‑education teachers, high dropout rates among special‑education students, and an inequitable funding model. Michigan reported 226,800 students receiving special‑education services across public, private, and homeschool settings last school year.
Advocates pointed to a 2025 Bridge investigation showing a 21% rise in state investigations stemming from parent complaints since 2018, while the overall special‑education population grew only 3.6%. Parents like Kourtney Sabourin, who has filed four complaints, expressed frustration that districts often receive only a “slap on the hand” and continue to neglect students.
Proposed policy changes under review
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is reviewing public comment on proposed rule changes, including the controversial removal of the “stay‑put” provision. Currently, when a parent files a complaint, the department can require the student to remain in their existing classroom while an investigation proceeds. MDE argues the provision applies only to legal proceedings and has been invoked only once in 47 years, claiming the change aligns with federal disability law.
Advocacy groups such as the Autism Alliance of Michigan oppose the proposal, fearing it could leave children in unsuitable settings during investigations.
State leadership’s response
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko, who attended the meeting, said special education has been the top concern since his listening tour began in February. “We know it’s very important… we really need to work together,” he affirmed, signaling a willingness to collaborate with families.
The committee plans additional meetings in Oakland, Grand Traverse, and Marquette counties, with virtual sessions also slated. Dates have not yet been released.
Looking ahead
Parents stressed the need for concrete action rather than promises. Many traveled long distances—Carrie Dickerson drove two hours—to voice concerns, noting that not all families can afford such trips. The consensus was clear: Michigan must move toward a weighted funding model that allocates more state money to students with the highest needs and streamline the complaint process to protect children’s rights.
As the state continues to grapple with teacher shortages and funding inequities, the voices from Saginaw serve as a reminder that families deserve reliable, high‑quality education for every child, regardless of ability.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
