LANSING, Mich. — State Rep. Tim Melton, D-Pontiac, is leaving the Legislature to take a position with the education reform group StudentsFirst, The Oakland Press reported.
Melton, former chairman of the House Education Committee, said he wants to advocate for education reform at the national level and also that he wants more time for his young family, The Press reported.
StudentsFirst was established in 2010 by Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of public schools in Washington, D.C. The organization advocates for greater school choice, rewarding and retaining teachers based on their impact on students, and school spending that focuses on student results, according to the policy agenda at its website.
Melton was elected to his third two-year term in November and cannot seek a fourth term because of term limits, according to The Press.
Gov. Rick Snyder will decide whether to call for a special election to fill Melton’s seat or to leave it vacant temporarily, The Press reported.
SOURCE:
The Oakland Press, “Melton to quit Legislature to advocate for education reform,” Aug. 30, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “A First Step,” June 16, 2009
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