MICHIGAN BOARD OF EDUCATION: What every member should know...

The Michigan Board of Education sets educational policy for the state. The rules and regulations it adopts have the force of law. Michigan voters elect the eight members of the board to eight-year terms. The MFT&SRP actively participates in the election of new board members.

The State Board of Education has the constitutional responsibility for

"leadership and general supervision over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except as to institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees, as vested in State Board of Education. It shall serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the Legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith." - Article VIII, Section 3 (in part)

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is the chief executive officer of the State Department of Education, which is the administrative arm of the Board. The Superintendent also serves as an ex officio member of the Board along with the Governor.

The MFT&SRP constantly interacts with the board members and the State Department of Education on several levels and reviews and publishes information bulletins to the membership on issues being discussed by the Board that affect MFT&SRP member's professional lives. The MFT&SRP also discusses with the board and department the impact of proposed legislation on our members and their work in the classroom. Additionally, many of our officers and members work with or serve on various Department of Education committees.