This week, the House Education and Workforce Committee reported legislation changing how the eight members of the State Board of Education are nominated.
Key Points:
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- HB 4148 was introduced by Representative Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan).
- Currently, candidates are nominated during party conventions and appear under the nonpartisan section of the general election ballot. There aren’t any restrictions regarding the area of the state in which they reside.
- Under the bill, candidates would be selected from four districts, matching the current Michigan Court of Appeals districts.
- The plan creates a rotating election schedule.
- In 2026, and every eight years after, parties would nominate one candidate from District 1 and another from District 4.
- In 2028, and every eight years after, parties would nominate one candidate from District 2 and another from District 3.
- In 2030, and every eight years after, parties would nominate one candidate from District 1 and another from District 4.
- In 2032, and every eight years after, parties would nominate one candidate from District 2 and another from District 3.
- According to the sponsor, his plan ensures all areas from the state are represented.
Next Steps:
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- The bill was sent to the House floor for further consideration.
The State Board of Education was established by the 1963 State Constitution. The eight members of the board serve eight-year terms.
