Supporting our local schools can unite us during time of political strife
By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President and CEO
As we reflect on the recent election results, it’s clear that our country remains deeply divided on many fronts. The diversity of opinions and beliefs that surfaced during this time can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel uncertain about what lies ahead.
Yet during this time of political division, Michigan educators of all stripes remain united by our shared devotion to our students and our commitment to providing them with the education they need to learn, grow and thrive.
After all, we believe that every student, regardless of where they live or how much money their family makes, deserves to have great educators working in their schools so they can reach their full potential. That’s why no matter who’s in elected office now and into the future, the Michigan Education Association will work tirelessly to lift up the education profession and ensure educators are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned as professionals.
As I travel across our state and speak with everyday parents, I’m comforted to know there is much more that unites us than divides us. People from every walk of life support their local public schools and they value, respect and trust their children’s educators.
This was demonstrated in the recent election through the results of education-specific races and proposals across Michigan. For example, over 75% of MEA’s recommended candidates for local school boards were successful in their races in this past election, including high-profile wins in Rochester, Utica, Chippewa Valley, Grosse Pointe and elsewhere. On top of that, voters passed 62% of the school bond proposals appearing on ballots across the state.
Looking ahead, we’ve seen a lot of media coverage since the election about the role of the U.S. Department of Education, which provides critical services for Michigan schools, especially when it comes to supporting students with special needs and kids attending rural and urban school districts.
We’ve been down this road before in the early ‘80s, when attempts were made to eliminate the Department of Education. However, proponents of closing the department were forced to back down, thanks to the efforts of educators across the country who worked with lawmakers in both parties. Congressional Democrats and Republicans alike agreed that the Department of Education played a critical role in supporting schools, students and parents in their own communities.
A bipartisan coalition of educators, parents and elected leaders came together then — and we can come together again. As MEA president, I’m committed to fostering bipartisan relationships and building strong coalitions centered around a shared area of agreement: the importance of strengthening public education.
We are ready to work with lawmakers from both parties, other education advocates, community organizations, business leaders and everyday families to protect and strengthen our kids’ public schools. It is through these conversations that we can build the foundation for a stronger future — one where our young people are empowered to lead with kindness, wisdom and a sense of responsibility to their communities.
Simply put, if you want to strengthen your local public schools so they can better serve the needs of all students, then we at the MEA are ready to work with you.
The road ahead is filled with tough challenges — but it’s also full of amazing opportunities. We have a chance to show the rest of the country that here in Michigan, we can set aside our differences and work side-by-side to support our schools and secure a brighter future for our students and our entire state.
As long as we are united by our shared goals, we can persevere and move forward, no matter the obstacles. Most of us grew up learning how to walk head-on through blinding snowstorms, so we’re built for this. Persevering is what we as Michiganders do best.
Labor Voices
Labor Voices columns are written on a rotating basis by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Executive Secretary-Treasurer Tom Lutz and selected Service Employees International Union members.
