Your Guide to Education Elections in Michigan, news & more from Ed Trust-Midwest

Nov 6, 2018 by edtrustmidwest

Election Day in Michigan

Today is election day in Michigan! Locate your polling place and view a sample ballot here (click here for mobile devices).

Several key races today will have an impact on public education in Michigan. The polls in Michigan are open today until 8:00 p.m.

Governor

Major party candidates have campaigned on Michigan’s need for significant educational improvement:

Read Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) education plan here
Read Bill Schuette’s (R) education plan here
Read “What Michigan schools will look like under Governor Whitmer or Schuette,” by Ron French at Bridge Magazine

State Board of Education

The State Board of Education is responsible for hiring the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction – Michigan’s chief education officer. Following the death of former Superintendent Brian Whiston earlier this year, the next Board of Education will make this important hire in mid-2019. The State Board of Education consists of eight members elected to eight-year terms. Two seats are on the ballot during each presidential and gubernatorial election cycle.

Read “State education board election could impact Michigan schools for years,” by Lori Higgins at the Detroit Free Press
Read “State Board of Education races could swing Michigan K-12 school policies,” by Ron French at Bridge Magazine
Read “Welcome to your cheat sheet on the obscure and critical race for Michigan school board,” by Koby Levin, Chalkbeat Detroit

State Legislative Races

While the State Board of Education and State Department of Education is responsible for much of Michigan’s public education policy, the legislature controls the state school aid budget and can pass laws impacting public education and education policy across the state. View a sample ballot for your local races here (click here for mobile devices).

University Boards

Voters will be asked to select two candidates for each of the boards of The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

For more on candidates for the University of Michigan Board of Regents, read candidate profiles from The University Record
For more on candidates for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, read candidate profiles from The State News
For more on candidates for Wayne State University Board of Governors, read candidate profiles from The South End

Across the state, voters will also be asked to weigh in on candidates for community college trustees. View a sample ballot for your local races here (click here for mobile devices).

Local School Board & Millage Votes

Most decision making about Michigan schools happens in the community. Locally-elected school boards and superintendents make decisions on budgeting, hiring, course offerings, programs, and buildings.

Many communities are electing members of the local school board, and in several communities, voters will be asked to weigh in on school millages and millage renewals. View a sample ballot for your local races here (click here for mobile devices).

The polls in Michigan are open today until 8:00 p.m.

Capital Update

The Michigan legislature returns to Lansing tomorrow and Thursday, before a two-week recess. The legislature will return during the week of November 26.

The House Education Reform Committee will meet on Thursday, November 8 at 9am in room 521 of the House Office Building. Agenda:

House Bills 6314 and 6315 (Kelly – R), which would create “public innovative districts”
HB 5543 (Runestead – R), regarding background checks for student teachers
HB 6324 (Lilly – R), regarding operational changes to Michigan virtual high school, including providing offerings for middle school students.

The State Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, November 13 at 9:30 am in the Ladislaus B. Dombrowski Board Room in the Hannah Buildinig, Lansing. The agenda will be posted here.