State Education Commission announces listening tour

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder’s 21st Century Education Commission today announced a statewide listening tour that will provide opportunities for the public to meet with commissioners and offer suggestions on how to improve the state’s education systems.

The first stop will be in West Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. Additional stops and details will be announced soon.

“The strength of Michigan’s comeback relies on the success of today’s students,” Snyder said. “I applaud the Commission for its efforts to gather public input, and I encourage Michiganders to attend the listening tour stops and provide ideas for how we can all work together to improve our state’s education systems.”

The 25-member Commission, chaired by Dr. Thomas Haas – president of Grand Valley State University – is made up of educators, business leaders, and non-profit professionals.

“Improving our education system to ensure that Michigan students are prepared for success in the 21st century global economy is a serious responsibility for us all,” Haas said. “We are excited to hear from Michigan residents and discuss solutions for making sure that every Michigan student has the opportunity to receive an outstanding education.”

In September, the Commission also announced a new website to gather public input and provide updates on its work. The website – www.mieducationcommission.com – features opportunities for residents to participate in polls, learn more about the Commissioners, and read recent news stories about Michigan’s education system.

The 21st Century Education Commission was created in March 2016 and is tasked with recommending improvements to restructure Michigan’s education system.

Serving as an advisory body within the Executive Office, the Commission must complete it work and issue a final report to the Governor no later than February 28, 2017.

For more information, to provide input, and to sign up for the listening tour, visit www.mieducationcommission.com