Michigan Voters to Fill Two State Education Board Seats

Four major-party candidates will compete for two board positions in the November 3 general election.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Administration

Michigan Voters to Fill Two State Education Board Seats

Live Poll

Do you believe current state plans to improve early literacy are sufficient for your local schools?

Michigan voters will decide the future of the eight-member State Board of Education on November 3, 2026. Four major-party candidates are vying for two open seats on the board, which oversees state academic standards and the superintendent.

Why it matters

The board election comes as Michigan faces significant educational challenges, with recent exam results highlighting substantial literacy gaps for students across the state. These board members serve eight-year terms and are responsible for establishing policies that directly impact public school instruction.

In Spring 2026, Michigan third graders reached a 38.2% proficiency rate, while fourth graders scored 24% on the National Assessment of Educational Progress compared to the 30% national average.

The players

Michigan State Board of Education

This governing body is tasked with establishing academic standards and supervising the state's public school system.

The details

The State Board of Education, currently composed of six Democrats and two Republicans, is responsible for hiring the state superintendent and setting overarching academic policies. With eight-year terms on the line, the upcoming vote will determine the board's balance of power as it addresses performance data from recent standardized testing.

November 3, 2026: General election for board seats.
Spring 2026: Students completed the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress.

Culture Shift

This election cycle highlights a growing focus on academic accountability, specifically concerning how the board uses the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress to manage school performance. The debate underscores a shift toward standardized data as the primary metric for evaluating long-term educational outcomes in Michigan.

Voters will influence the policies and academic standards that govern their local public schools for the next eight years. The outcome may shift curriculum priorities or state-level interventions designed to improve reading proficiency in local classrooms.

The takeaway

Voters should consider how candidates plan to bridge the gap between state test results and actual student reading performance. Understanding the board's role in hiring the superintendent is critical for those concerned with long-term educational stability in Michigan.