Constitutional amendments: state; governor-appointed superintendent of public instruction; provide for. Amends sec. 3, art. VIII of the state constitution.
Impact
The proposed amendment has significant implications for state education laws and governance. By transferring the appointment authority from the state board of education to the governor, proponents argue that this could lead to more accountability and streamlined decision-making processes within the educational system. However, this shift may also decrease the role of the board in educational leadership and limit local input into the appointment process, thereby changing the dynamics of educational oversight in Michigan.
Summary
House Joint Resolution E (HJRE) proposes an amendment to the Michigan State Constitution concerning the appointment of the superintendent of public instruction. The current system allows the state board of education to appoint the superintendent, but the amendment shifts this responsibility to the governor, effective from January 1, 2027. The governor would appoint the superintendent with the advice and consent of the senate, establishing a term of office not exceeding four years. Such a change aims to restructure the leadership and governance of public education in Michigan by increasing executive control over the selection of educational leadership.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding HJRE. Supporters of the amendment claim it will enhance leadership oversight and align educational policy more closely with the priorities of the sitting governor. Conversely, opponents fear that such a change may politicize educational leadership, reducing the independence of the superintendent and potentially compromising the quality of public education. Critics also highlight that this amendment could undermine the existing governance structure, which allows for broader representation through the elected members of the state board of education.
Higher education: governing boards; gubernatorial appointment of regents, trustees, or board of governors for University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University; require. Amends sec. 5, art. VIII of the state constitution.
Constitutional amendments: state; deadline for filing petitions to amend the state constitution; revise. Amends sec. 2, art. XII of the state constitution.
Higher education: admission; admission based on anything other than the merit of the prospective student; prohibit. Amends secs. 5 & 6, art. VIII & adds sec. 10 to art. VIII of the state constitution.
Higher education: state universities; student admissions preferences based on certain familial relationships; prohibit. Amends secs. 5 & 6, art. VIII & adds sec. 10 to art. VIII of the state constitution.
Constitutional amendments: state; requirement for individual to wear a face mask to enter certain facility; prohibit. Amends the state constitution by adding sec. 29 to art. I.
Constitutional amendments: federal; constitutional amendment to revise the size of United States House districts to not more than 50,000 individuals; ratify. Ratifies a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Legislature: apportionment; independent citizens redistricting commission; abolish. Amends sec. 1, art. IV, secs. 1, 2 & 4, art. V & secs. 1 & 4, art. VI; adds secs. 6a & 6b to art. IV & repeals sec. 6, art. IV of the state constitution.
Education: special education; at least 1 teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham methodology; require each public school to employ. Amends sec. 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531) & adds sec. 1253.