The Hidden Heroes of Education: Why Cutting a Successful Program Makes No Sense
There’s a quiet revolution happening in schools across Michigan’s northeast region, and it’s not about flashy tech or curriculum overhauls. It’s about people like Lisa Werth, who spends her days picking lice out of kids’ hair, handing out granola bars, and attending doctor’s appointments with students. She’s not a teacher, counselor, or administrator—she’s a School Success liaison, part of a program that’s been quietly transforming lives. And yet, this program, which has proven its worth time and again, is on the chopping block. Personally, I think this decision is not just shortsighted—it’s a symptom of a deeper misunderstanding of what truly drives educational success.
The Unseen Work That Changes Everything
What makes this program particularly fascinating is its holistic approach. It’s not just about academics; it’s about removing the barriers that keep kids from even showing up to school. Chronic absenteeism is a silent crisis in Michigan, with nearly 28% of students missing more than 10% of school days. The School Success Partnership has been a game-changer, slashing absenteeism rates in schools like Onaway Elementary from 20.6% to 12.8% in just one year. But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about attendance. Higher attendance means higher grades, and higher grades mean a shot at a better future. What many people don’t realize is that the program’s success isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in the relationships it builds. These liaisons become trusted allies for families, bridging the gap between home and school in ways that teachers and administrators simply can’t.
The Irony of Defunding Success
Here’s where things get baffling. Michigan is struggling with literacy rates—only 25% of fourth graders are proficient in reading, compared to 30% nationally. Governor Whitmer has made improving literacy her top priority. Yet, the state is cutting funding for a program that’s proven to boost attendance and grades. If you take a step back and think about it, this is like trying to fix a leaky roof by removing the shingles. The state’s rationale? They’re replacing it with a new program called the Family Impact Team. While both programs aim to support families, they’re not the same. The Family Impact Team focuses on connecting families with social services like Medicaid, which is important, but it doesn’t address the day-to-day, in-school challenges that the School Success Program tackles.
The Human Cost of Budget Cuts
What this really suggests is that we’re losing sight of the human element in education. Programs like School Success aren’t just about data points—they’re about trust, consistency, and care. Take Bella Verdusco, a 17-year-old who says she would have dropped out if not for her liaison, Madison Nachtrieb. Or Taylor Schuch’s daughter, who went from struggling in kindergarten to becoming a straight-A fifth grader. These aren’t just success stories; they’re testaments to the power of personalized support. In my opinion, cutting this program isn’t just a budgetary decision—it’s a moral one. We’re essentially saying that the relationships these liaisons build, the trust they foster, and the futures they help shape aren’t worth investing in.
The Bigger Picture: Education as a System, Not Just a Classroom
One thing that immediately stands out is how this program challenges our traditional view of education. We often think of schools as places where learning happens in classrooms, but what if the real barriers to learning are outside those walls? Poverty, family instability, and lack of access to basic needs like food and transportation are just as critical as textbooks and lesson plans. The School Success Program addresses these issues head-on, creating a foundation for academic success. What this raises is a deeper question: Are we treating education as a holistic system, or are we still stuck in the mindset that schools are solely responsible for student outcomes?
A Missed Opportunity—or Is It?
From my perspective, defunding this program feels like a missed opportunity to address systemic issues in education. But there’s a glimmer of hope. Representative John Roth, who chairs the committee overseeing the Department of Health and Human Services’ budget, has called the program a “community action agency” and plans to push for one-time funding. This isn’t just a political move—it’s a recognition that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones that don’t fit neatly into bureaucratic boxes.
Final Thoughts: What’s at Stake?
If the School Success Program is allowed to wither away, the consequences will be felt for years. We’ll see attendance rates drop, grades slip, and more students fall through the cracks. But what’s truly at stake is something even bigger: our commitment to the idea that every child deserves a chance to succeed. Personally, I think this program isn’t just about improving education—it’s about redefining what education means in the first place. It’s about recognizing that schools can’t do it alone, and that sometimes, the most important work happens in the hallways, at soccer games, and in the homes of the students we’re trying to help.
So, as lawmakers finalize the budget, I hope they remember this: cutting a program that works isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a statement about our values. And right now, that statement doesn’t look good.
