Opinion | Michigan’s next superintendent must be a bold, collaborative reformer

Michigan's public education system, while facing the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy, has significant potential to achieve the unified, systemic change seen in other states through strong leadership.

With the search for Michigan’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction underway, we have a defining opportunity to chart a better path forward for our state and our children. As the Board of Launch Michigan, we stand ready to serve as a resource and ally in the urgent work ahead. Together we’ve built a cross-sector coalition, worked with national experts to develop a framework for systemic reform and outlined a path to move Michigan into the top 10 states for education within the next decade. 

A Moment for Unifying Leadership

Despite the dedication of educators, administrators, parents, and community leaders, too many students remain unprepared for life after graduation. Fewer than one-third of Michigan students are proficient in core subjects like reading and math, with stark disparities among students living in poverty. This is an educational and economic crisis and moral imperative we must address now.

The challenges we face are daunting but not insurmountable. 

To succeed, the next leader of our state’s education system must unite Michigan’s often-divided interests to pursue a shared agenda: higher standards, greater equity and student success. We need a superintendent who is collaborative, bold, and outcomes focused.

The time for true reinvention

The next superintendent must lead a true reinvention, redefining what it means to be college- and career-ready in the 21st century. This includes implementing the Michigan Education Guarantee, which advances a high standard for a high school diploma that ensures every student graduates with the competencies necessary for work, life and civic participation.  

This work requires the focus and political acumen to help our state adopt and implement new learning models, expand pathways such as dual enrollment, career and technical learning and address chronic absenteeism. It requires data-informed decision-making that continuously improves instruction and closes achievement gaps.  

Efficient and strategic resource alignment

A high-functioning system requires sustained investment that ensures students with greater needs receive more intensive support. While recent state funding increases have helped, our next superintendent must ensure that additional resources are used efficiently and strategically. That means advocating for funding models that are adequate, stable, fair and focused on student outcomes. It also means addressing redundancies that divert money from the classroom and longstanding challenges in special education, student mental health, school infrastructure, and career and technical education. Funding detached from reform is not the solution. 

The need for a culture of responsibility

Transformational change isn’t possible without shared responsibility supported by adequate resources. The new superintendent must establish a system of reciprocal accountability, where the State Board of Education, governor, Legislature, local districts, educators, parents and employers are aligned. They must assure transparency on performance and interventions that help correct course.  This leader must streamline outdated governance structures, eliminate inefficiencies and remain laser-focused on students.  

A defining decision for Michigan’s future

Selecting Michigan’s next superintendent is not simply a hiring decision — it is a chance to choose the leader who will shape the future of Michigan’s children and our state’s prosperity. 

Launch Michigan is calling on the State Board of Education to appoint a superintendent who is focused on reinvention, responsibility and resources. Michigan students — and future generations — deserve a leader who can unite our state around a bold, student-centered agenda.

Together, we can move beyond division and inertia to build an education system worthy of Michigan’s promise.