On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees adopted Executive Order 2009-22, the Governor's plan to cut funding in the current fiscal year. To become effective, budget-cutting Executive Orders need only the approval of the full Appropriations Committees in the Michigan House and Senate; they are not considered by the full Legislature.

The Executive Order includes $304 million in cuts in state general funds. For programs that have been cut in the Executive Order, there is deep concern that given the state's economic condition, and the depth of the reductions that have to taken in the fourth quarter, many will be permanently defunded and not part of the debate over the fiscal year 2010 budget.

For more information on how the cuts impact children and families, click here.

While the Oakland county Grad Coach initiative is specific to Oakland County and alternative education students served throughout the county, the model could arguably be used in any community that chooses to battle the concern of students dropping out of high school. The approach focuses on forming and maintaining relationships with students in an effort to help guide them through their final year or two of high school and plan for post-secondary education and training. This opportunity to focus on the relationship between the coach and student fosters independence and responsibility on the part of the student by helping them access the resources needed.

For more information on the grad coach program, click here.

For information on other best practices that are occuring around the state to keep kids in school, click here.