Haas appointed to state Education Commission

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced in Lansing today that Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas will head up his commission on the state's education system. 

Haas will chair the Education Commission that will be comprised of 25 members who will study pre-K through 20. These members will have backgrounds in education, business, government or non-profit entities and will have an interest and expertise in education and successful outcomes. 

"I am honored to accept the request of the governor to chair this important commission," said Haas. "We will collaborate and undertake the critical mission of designing a pre-K through 20 continuum that will shape the next generation of educated citizens essential to our state's continued economic health."

Snyder made the announcement following his March executive order, which created the 21st Century Education Commission. The P20 Education Commission will analyze top performing states and nations to determine how their systems of education lead to successful career credentialing and post-secondary education, recommend changes to Michigan's system and prioritize those recommendations. The commission must finish its work and issue a final report to the governor for his consideration no later than February 28, 2017.