DeWitt, MI — Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard today announced that Nikki Snyder, a member of the Michigan State Board of Education and one of the state’s most passionate advocates for reform, will serve as Chair of the Leonard for Michigan Education Coalition.

Last year, Snyder was re-elected statewide with a historic 2.5 million votes, the most ever received by a member of the Michigan State Board of Education. Her experience, vision and leadership will anchor the campaign’s education agenda, which prioritizes putting our children’s future above the ultimatums of partisan politics.

“Our education system needs more than symbolic tweaks, it needs real accountability, transparency, and courage,” Snyder said. “My plan for this coalition is to identify the ideas, that when put into action, become the systemic changes that place the needs of teachers, parents, and children at the center of reform.”

The Tom Leonard Education Coalition will bring together teachers, parents, administrators, and education reform advocates from across Michigan to advise the campaign on education priorities and to help engage voters on such issues as academic achievement, parental involvement, workforce readiness, and restoring accountability in our schools.

“Nikki understands that education is at the foundation of everything: our economy, our communities, and our future,” said Leonard. “I am proud to have her leading this coalition, as we work to rebuild trust in our education system and deliver real results for Michigan families,”

Over the coming months, Snyder will lead a team in holding a series of community forums, teacher roundtables, and hosting discussions with business leaders, focused on the connection between education and workforce readiness.

“Tom’s energy, experience, and commitment to real reform make him exactly the kind of leader Michigan needs,” Snyder added.

media@tomformichigan.com