Michigan to Elect Two State Education Board Members
Voters will choose two members to serve eight-year terms and set state school policy.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Administration
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Michigan voters will decide on two seats for the State Board of Education during the election on November 3, 2026. Four major-party candidates are vying for these spots on the eight-member board, which sets public school policy and oversees the state superintendent.
Why it matters
The board plays a direct role in shaping academic standards for Michigan students, who currently face significant literacy challenges. Recent test results show that Michigan fourth graders are trailing the national average in reading proficiency.
Official data indicates 44% of students in grades 3-8 are proficient in English, while third-grade proficiency sits at 38.2%. The board holds these seats for eight-year terms.
The players
Michigan State Board of Education
The state-level governing body that sets public school policy and hires the superintendent.
The details
The State Board of Education establishes policies for public schools and is responsible for hiring and overseeing the state superintendent. These candidates will step into a board currently composed of six Democrats and two Republicans. The new members will influence the direction of educational standards for the state's school districts for the next eight years.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: The election date for the state board seats.
Spring 2026: Students completed the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress.
The Home Front
This election shifts the board that manages the standards set by the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. The results will influence long-term curriculum and leadership decisions for public schools across the state.
Parents should review how board policies influence their district's academic standards and local school board priorities. Families may want to track the election results to understand the future direction of state-mandated literacy programs.
The takeaway
The election of these board members determines the leadership that will oversee state educational policy through 2034. Voters can review candidate platforms to understand how each person intends to address the current literacy gap in Michigan schools.
Further reading
For more on how state oversight impacts local classrooms, visit the Michigan Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chalkbeat.
Live Poll
Do you believe current state plans to improve early literacy are sufficient for your local schools?
