Michigan Association of School Boards joins education advocates to warn of Con-Con dangers

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) is joining other prominent education groups in raising concerns that a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) could hurt public education in Michigan and they are among those working together to urge a vote NO on Proposal 1 on the November ballot.

The MASB, a nonprofit representing more than 600 local and intermediate boards of education and nearly every public school district in Michigan, joins the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the Michigan Association of State Universities in supporting Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests (PMCFSI).

Together, they are worried about special interests opening the floodgates to privatize schools, turning them into for-profit entities, and are encouraging voters to oppose calling a Constitutional Convention. The question appears on the ballot every 16 years and asks voters whether to convene a Con-Con, which would open Michigan's constitution to a complete rewrite.

“A Constitutional Convention is a risky gamble with Michigan’s public schools,” said Don Wotruba, executive director of MASB. “It could jeopardize funding for local districts, force school consolidation and give well-funded special interests the opportunity to advance the privatization of public education. Michigan’s students deserve better and the MASB is proud to stand with the Protect MI Constitution coalition, and we are joining other groups to urge voters to reject a Con-Con by voting NO on Proposal 1 in November.”

Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests is continuing to grow its supporter network. To join the list of supporters and find ways to help, visit protectmiconstitution.com.