Michigan Legislators Discuss U.P. Educators' Concerns at Panel

Lawmakers and local school leaders address budget delays and funding priorities

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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State legislators from Michigan's Upper Peninsula region participated in a panel discussion with local educators to address concerns over the state's education budget process and funding priorities. Key topics included the three-month delay in passing the most recent education budget, the allocation of funds between K-12 schools and higher education institutions, and the importance of ongoing collaboration between lawmakers and school administrators.

Why it matters

The panel discussion highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions between state policymakers and local school districts when it comes to education funding and priorities. It underscores the need for open communication and partnership between legislators and educators to ensure students across Michigan receive equitable access to quality education.

The details

The panel, hosted by the Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency (MARESA), featured several state legislators including Representative Mallory McMorrow, Senator Ed McBroom, Representative Karl Bohnak, and others. Educators raised concerns over the delayed state budget process and the perceived diversion of funds to higher education institutions rather than K-12 infrastructure needs. Legislators acknowledged the difficulties in crafting a budget that satisfies all priorities, but emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration between lawmakers and school administrators.

  • The panel discussion took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, ahead of the UP200 sled dog races in Marquette, Michigan.

The players

Zack Sedgwick

Superintendent of Marquette Area Public Schools.

Ed McBroom

Republican State Senator representing Michigan's Upper Peninsula region.

Mallory McMorrow

Democratic State Representative in Michigan.

Coby Fletcher

Superintendent of Escanaba Area Public Schools.

Travis Smith

Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services at MARESA.

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What they’re saying

“I wonder why we're held to a July 1st deadline, and the legislature is not. It seems hypocritical. There's also the backroom bargains that are coming in at the eleventh hour.”

— Zack Sedgwick, Superintendent, Marquette Area Public Schools

“The House under the new speaker there really prioritized roads. Speaker [Matt] Hall is a deal maker, all the time. He sees everything as leverage to something else. He wanted what he wanted to get done and knew that the best leverage he had over the Senate was the budget.”

— Ed McBroom, State Senator

“You see situations that feel a little bit counterintuitive, like some of our community colleges who are using some of this funding to provide scholarships—and oftentimes athletic scholarships—to people from out of state or who are international. It feels to me like those monies would be better put to use for Michigan students.”

— Coby Fletcher, Superintendent, Escanaba Area Public Schools

“I'm a new guy… and I don't understand how higher education got involved in the K-12 budget. You go to Northern or Michigan Tech or Lake Superior State, and the campus looks pristine, the buildings are great. Then you go to our local school districts, and there's pot holes in the parking lots. It's a problem.”

— Karl Bohnak, State Representative

“The budget process is always ongoing. Don't be shy to reach out to your legislator, your state senator, your state rep. Text, call. We are only as good advocating for you as we hear from you. The Governor just presented her budget recommendation last week, so the budget process has begun. Get in touch, and we'll do everything we can to make sure that your school has everything it needs.”

— Mallory McMorrow, State Representative

What’s next

The state legislature will continue the budget process in the coming weeks, with the Governor's recent budget recommendation serving as a starting point for negotiations. Educators are encouraged to stay engaged with their elected representatives to advocate for their schools' needs.

The takeaway

This panel discussion underscores the ongoing challenges in aligning state education funding priorities with the needs of local school districts. It highlights the importance of open communication and collaboration between lawmakers and educators to ensure all Michigan students have access to quality public education, regardless of their address.