HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION C

February 10, 2021, Introduced by Rep. Hornberger and referred to the Committee on Education.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, amending sections 3 and 7 of article VIII, to eliminate the state board of education, superintendent of public instruction, and state board for public community and junior colleges.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Michigan, That the following amendment to the state constitution of 1963, to eliminate the state board of education, superintendent of public instruction, and state board for public community and junior colleges, is proposed, agreed to, and submitted to the people of the state:

ARTICLE VIII

Sec. 3. Leadership and general supervision over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except as to institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees, is vested in a state board of education. It shall serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith.

The state board of education governor shall appoint a superintendent of public instruction whose term of office shall be determined by the board. He shall be the chairman of the board without the right to vote, and shall be responsible for the execution of its policies. He director of the state department of education. The director shall be the principal executive officer of a the state department of education, which shall have powers and duties provided by law.

The state board of education shall consist of eight members who shall be nominated by party conventions and elected at large for terms of eight years as prescribed by law. The governor shall fill any vacancy by appointment for the unexpired term. The governor shall be ex-officio a member of the state board of education without the right to vote.

The power of the boards of institutions of higher education provided in this constitution to supervise their respective institutions and control and direct the expenditure of the institutions' funds shall not be is not limited by this section.

Sec. 7. The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment and financial support of public community and junior colleges which shall be supervised and controlled by locally elected boards. The legislature shall provide by law for a state board for public community and junior colleges which shall advise the state board of education concerning general supervision and planning for such colleges and requests for annual appropriations for their support. The board shall consist of eight members who shall hold office for terms of eight years, not more than two of which shall expire in the same year, and who shall be appointed by the state board of education. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner. The superintendent of public instruction shall be ex-officio a member of this board without the right to vote.

Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be submitted to the people of the state at the next general election in the manner provided by law.