“Article VIII would likely garner substantial attention if a constitutional convention is called”

Livonia, MI, July 28, 2026 – Citizens Research Council of Michigan today released Article VIII – Education, the 11th in a series of 15 papers that provide information to Michigan voters ahead of the November ballot question on whether a constitutional convention (con-con) should be held. The series examines each of the 12 articles of the Michigan Constitution and offers historical and other important background on past con-cons.

Article VIII addresses elementary and secondary education (K-12) as well as higher education (community colleges and four-year universities). The article has been targeted for amendment five times since the adoption of the 1963 Michigan Constitution and has been amended only twice.

Article VIII would likely garner substantial attention if a constitutional convention is called. Among the most salient and pressing topics a convention could consider are: defining education as a fundamental right; establishing adequacy or quality standards for K–12 education; creating constitutional school-funding guarantees; addressing charter schools, school choice, or public funding of nonpublic education; and modifying governance systems for K–12 education, four-year universities, and community colleges.

A future constitutional convention would likely bring renewed attention to whether Michigan’s education article should continue to rely on broad legislative discretion or be revised to establish clearer constitutional commitments regarding educational opportunity, school quality, funding adequacy, public and private school choice, and governance accountability.

The Citizens Research Council takes no position on whether to call a constitutional convention.

###Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan works to improve government in Michigan. The organization provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivery of this information to policymakers and citizens, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan. For more information, visit www.crcmich.org.