March 20, 2009

LANSING – The State Board of Education this week extended the contract of state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan another year, through April 2012.

State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus said that following an annual performance evaluation, Flanagan received positive reviews by all the board members.

She stated that because of the current condition of the state’s economy and state budget, Flanagan did not receive an increase to his salary. The board agreed to Flanagan’s request that if there are future concessions by employees in the Michigan Department of Education due to the state’s budget challenges, Flanagan’s contract will reflect those concessions, as well.

“We recognize Mike’s great leadership under difficult times, and the benefit we get by pulling together as the State Board and Superintendent,” said board Vice President John C. Austin, “particularly his ability to help this team, the few, the hardy, here at the Department, in particular, dealing with these large challenges with great esprit and great follow through.”

Flanagan said it is his “privilege to serve in this role and with this board. We’re lucky to have a mission that’s so important to this state.”

In other action: The Board also approved the consolidation of the MEAP writing test. Currently, all students in grades 3-8 are given a short writing assessment. Beginning in the fall of 2010, only students in grades 4 and 7 will be given a lengthened and more thorough writing assessment.