Michigan Department Of Education

Michigan Department Of Education

Michigan Department Of Education, The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is a state agency of Michigan, in the United States. The MDE oversees public school districts in the state. The department is governed by the State Board of Education. The Michigan State Board of Education is elected at large on a partisan basis every two years in groups of 2 for eight-year terms. There is eight state board of education members and the board appoints the Superintendent of Public Instruction to manage the department.

Currently, the Superintendent of Public Instruction is Brian J Whiston, who was appointed on July 1, 2015. As the principal executive officer of the Department of Education, the Superintendent sits on Governor’s Cabinet, the State Administrative Board, and acts as chair and a non-voting member of the State Board of Education.

The Superintendent advises the Legislature on education policy and funding needs, as defined by the State Board of Education.

The Superintendent is responsible for the implementation of bills passed by the Legislature and policies established by the State Board of Education. The Superintendent is a spokesperson for education in the state. The Superintendent also is the primary liaison to the United States Department of Education and other federal agencies.
Under educational laws, schools in Michigan must start after Labor Day unless granted a waiver.

MDE Offices