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Bill

HJR E

Constitutional amendments: state; governor-appointed superintendent of public instruction; provide for. Amends sec. 3, art. VIII of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cam Cavitt and 9 co-sponsors

Michigan HJR E would replace voter-elected Superintendent of Public Instruction with governor-appointed position, shifting education leadership accountability from voters to executive branch.

referred to Committee on Rules
#constitutionalamendments:state #stateagencies(existing):education
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Bill Summary · HJR E

Legislative bill overview

This constitutional amendment proposal would change Michigan's method of selecting the Superintendent of Public Instruction from a statewide elected position to one appointed by the Governor. Currently, voters directly elect this education leader; this amendment would shift that power to gubernatorial appointment, requiring legislative approval.

Why is this important

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is Michigan's top education official, overseeing K-12 policy, curriculum standards, and education funding priorities. This change would fundamentally alter democratic accountability in education governance—moving from direct voter control to executive branch appointment, potentially making education policy more aligned with the sitting governor's agenda while reducing voters' direct influence on school leadership decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Democratic accountability: Opponents argue elected positions keep leaders directly accountable to voters; supporters contend appointed positions improve coordination between executive and education branches
  • Partisan control: Critics worry gubernatorial appointment politicizes education; proponents argue current elected positions are equally political and fragmented
  • Independence vs. alignment: Questions whether education leadership should be independent from executive pressure or integrated into coherent state governance and policy implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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