10/28/2025

IRONWOOD, MI — The Lingering Government Shutdown will affect early childhood education services in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties starting next month.  As a result, The Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) is urging state policymakers to restore funding for Section 32p, which is a critical component of funding for Michigan’s early childhood education infrastructure. The GOISD says the funds are essential in helping local education agencies and community partners coordinate services, connect families with support, and prepare young children for kindergarten.  Without the funding, Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD will end all Great Start Collaborative programming including GOCAA Headstart in Ironwood, Bessemer and Ontonagon and all services effective November 1^st and staff will be laid off saying they will reopen once the Government Shutdown ends and funding is restored.