Michigan Board opposes plan to transfer superintendent hiring power to governor

Dr. Diane Golzynski, Deputy Superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services | Michigan Department of Education

Michigan's State Board of Education has formally opposed a legislative proposal that seeks to transfer its constitutional authority to hire the state superintendent to the governor. According to board members, House Joint Resolution E, if approved by the legislature and statewide voters, could negatively impact Michigan public school students by shifting oversight away from the elected education-focused board.

The resolution states that transferring this authority would grant excessive power to governors, whose motivations may differ from those of the education board. Board President Dr. Pamela Pugh emphasized the importance of the board's role in hiring the state superintendent. She noted that the board's recommendations are more likely to align with the long-term interests of children, rather than short-term political considerations.

Approval of the resolution was unanimous, with a 7-0 vote on Tuesday. Board member Tom McMillin highlighted the intent behind Michigan's 1963 constitution, which aimed to provide educational oversight to a separately elected board rather than centralizing power with the governor. "This separation of power should remain," McMillin asserted.

The board expressed its concerns about the potential policy instability due to governors being elected for four-year terms. In contrast, State Board of Education members serve staggered eight-year terms, offering more stability. There is a concern that governors may focus on short-term policies that could undermine long-term educational success.

For House Joint Resolution E to proceed, it requires approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot for the next even-numbered November election in 2026. Although the measure could allow the governor to hire the state superintendent eventually, the State Board of Education would retain this authority until January 1, 2027. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited, will conclude her term in January 2027.