Whitmer announces appointments to Every Child Reads Champions Council
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LANSING – On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Every Child Reads Champions Council, a new advisory body created through Executive Order 2026-12 to champion, advise on, and strengthen Michigan's statewide literacy plan and ensure every child becomes a strong reader, writer and communicator.
"Every kid deserves the chance to become a strong reader and writer," said Governor Whitmer. "In Michigan, we're delivering the resources to help them get there. But improving literacy outcomes for all kids is a marathon, not a sprint. The Every Child Reads Champions Council brings together leaders from across Michigan to ensure our literacy efforts deliver for students in every community long into the future. I look forward to their partnership as we continue investing in early starts, proven methods, and extra supports to help Every Child Read."
The council brings together leaders with diverse expertise including lifelong education, business, philanthropy, community organizations, and tribal communities. Champions Council members represent multiple perspectives including urban, suburban, and rural areas; early childhood education; out‑of‑school time; special education; and English learner populations.
"Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. We must seize this moment and leverage Michigan's historic investments in literacy to ensure our system is delivering for our children and our future," said Kevin Polston, superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools and chair of the Every Child Reads Champions Council. "Michigan has gained important momentum, and now is the time to step on the gas and accelerate the progress our educators are working tirelessly to achieve, our parents expect, and our children deserve."
"MiLEAP is committed to supporting literacy across Michigan, and we are proud to house the Every Child Reads Champions Council," said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. "We look forward to the Council's work to bring together leaders and partners from across Michigan to advance our shared literacy goals and address the opportunities and challenges facing learners and communities. Literacy is foundational to learning, and strengthening those skills early helps support Michigan learners from birth through their lifelong learning journeys."
The Champions Council is building on significant statewide momentum to improve literacy outcomes for all kids. The FY27 state budget delivers a historic $502 million investment in literacy including:
– $129.1 million for early starts including PreK for All, early intervention, and family engagement.
– $146.1 million for proven methods including ensuring educators have the knowledge, tools, and support to deliver effective reading instruction and interventions.
– $195.6 million for extra help including high-impact tutoring, out of school time, and adult education.
Since launching Every Child Reads, kids, families, and educators can see tangible progress in their community.
– More 4-year-olds are enrolled in PreK giving children a strong start and saving parents an estimated $14,000 a year.
– More educators are participating in training in the science of reading--including more than 13,200 that have enrolled in or completed LETRS training.
– More districts are adopting proven curriculum and assessments with state incentives and in alignment with the 2024 Reading for All law.
– More literacy coaches are helping educators strengthen literacy instruction and improve outcomes for kids.
– More communities are offering literacy programming and before, after, and summer programming that helps kids stay on track.
The Champions Council members will help Michigan build on this momentum and continue improving outcomes for kids. The Council is housed within MiLEAP, which will provide staff support for its work.