2016 Candidate Interview State Board of Education President John Austin
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 29, 2016)
 
Ann Arbor, MI – President of the State Board of Education John Austin is running for re-election on the Nov. 8 ballot.  There are two seats available, and the following people are running: Tom McMillin (R), Nikki Snyder (R), Ish Ahmed (D), John Austin (D), Scotty Boman (L), Bill Hall(L), Karen Adams (U), Douglas Levesque (U), Derek M. Grigsby (G), Sherry A. Wells (G) and Mary Anne Hering (W).
Austin has an extensive background of advocacy experience in politics and education, and does economic policy work for Brookings Institution.
When asked why people should vote for him, Austin said “I am the one who has led and continues to lead our effort to build support for great public education, to put higher education within reach, who is committed to make education work for all of our people whatever geography or ZIP Code your schools in, your skin color, whatever country of origin, whatever gender identity, your sexual orientation.
“I’m sorry to say that the Republicans that they nominate are anti-standards, would bring a horrible political agenda into our classroom, bring back intelligent design and creationism.  We passed science standards last year that teach climate change as modern science, they would walk that back. They certainly aren’t supportive or sensitive of our diverse school populations, whether its kids of color or immigrants, or LGBT young people, they don’t want to acknowledge them or really support all of our people to get a great education, which is what Michigan should be about.”
In his interview with oc115, Austin talked about accomplishments while serving on the board including setting standards for education across the state, supporting LGBT students and students of diverse backgrounds, and increasing access to early childhood learning.  He talked about what power the Board has and the challenges of making recommendations while there is a Republican legislature in place. He also talked about the potential for handing over the President role to the current Vice President Cassandra Ulbrich.

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Learn more about this candidate’s campaign at http://www.austinformichigan.com/news.