Insider Intelligence

Jason Strayhorn has resigned from serving on the State Board of Education, effective immediately. Governor Gretchen Whitmerwill make an appointment and that person will serve the remainder of the eight-year term. Following the resignation, the board is comprised of five Democratic members and two Republican members. Her appointment will not be subject to the advice […]

Two Democrats were elected this week to the State Board of Education. Former Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton and Jason Strayhorn have been elected, giving the Democrats a 6-2 majority on the Board. In addition to having served six years in the State House, Ellen Cogen Lipton is a practicing attorney. Jason Strayhorn is a real […]

Dr. Michael Rice was selected this week by the State Board of Education to serve as the new State Superintendent. The board has undergone a lengthy process of interviews to find a new superintendent following the death of former State Superintendent Brian Whiston in May 2018. Following the final round of interviews on May 7, […]

The State Board of Education is one step closer to selecting the next State Superintendent after choosing the three finalists. Following two days of public interviews and deliberation, the board announced the three finalists: Brenda Cassellius – Immediate past Minnesota Commissioner of Education Michael Rice – Superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools Jeanice Swift – Superintendent […]

This week, the State Board of Education elected co-presidents, one from each party, as the board is currently split 4-4 on partisan lines.  Elected by their colleagues, Casandra Ulbrich and Richard Zeile will serve as the new co-presidents of the board.  Also elected today, Tom McMillin as treasurer and Michelle Fecteau as secretary. Casandra Ulbrich […]

Tuesday’s General Election brought many surprises to several statewide elections.  In the House of Representatives, the partisan makeup will remain the same, after one incumbent Democratic Representative lost his seat because the party flipped a previously held Republican seat.  However, prior to the election, many pollsters and insiders had expected the Democratic caucus to gain […]