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Board passes resolutions on funding request, civic education for 250th and creates Special Education Committee
Summary
The State Board approved an amended resolution requesting legislative funding for its duties, adopted a revised civic-education resolution tied to America's 250th, and established a Special Education Committee to review statewide special-education practices and hold listening sessions.
The Michigan State Board of Education adopted several resolutions and took formal actions during its meeting.
Funding request: The board passed an amended resolution asking the Michigan Legislature to appropriate funding that would allow the State Board to carry out its statutory and constitutional duties. Board members debated whether to specify a dollar amount; the resolution as amended asks the Legislature to provide appropriate resources and encourages regional engagement sessions and other outreach.
America’s 250th and civic education: The board considered and amended a resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and encouraging civic-education activities in Michigan schools. Members removed language judged by some as ideological and inserted language promoting inclusive, accurate civic education that fosters critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and informed engagement. The amended resolution passed after a roll-call vote.
Special-education committee: Separately, the board established a Special Education Committee to gather stakeholder input, visit districts, review data and best practices, and return recommendations to the full board. The committee was created amidst debate about statutory advisory-panel structures and a recent federal review of Michigan’s special-education system; members said they will pursue legal and legislative follow-up as needed.
Procedural minutes: The board also approved routine minutes for previous meetings and several committee minutes by roll call.
Votes at a glance (as recorded in the meeting): - SEAC nominees: motion carried (nominees to SEAC approved); at least one recorded no vote over governance concerns. - Resolution requesting legislative funding: adopted by roll call after amendment (motion carries). - 250th/civic-education resolution: adopted as amended after votes on friendly edits and a final roll call (motion carries). - Special Education Committee resolution: adopted by roll call; the committee will begin planning and district visits in the fall.
Next steps: The board instructed staff and members to follow up with the Legislature on the funding resolution, to work on implementing civic-education initiatives, and to stand up the Special Education Committee’s planning work in coordination with MDE and stakeholder groups.
