LANSING – State Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit) was appointed by House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) as urban education reforms advisor and chairwoman. In this new role, she will work with Reps. Adam F. Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) and Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores), the Democratic vice chairpersons of the House Education Committee and House Appropriations School Aid Subcommittee, respectively, and relevant stakeholders to propose and promote educational reforms focused on improving underperforming and distressed school districts.
“Urban school districts are facing some of the most unique obstacles right now,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “The impact of poverty is real! We have many students who face hunger, stressful home lives and dangerous neighborhoods. We must ensure adequate funding is allocated to provide the extra support and wrap around services our children need to ensure their success.”
Gay-Dagnogo brings previous experience as a science teacher in Detroit public schools and as the policy co-chairwoman of the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren, a group commissioned to evaluate urban schools and provide solutions. With their findings released this afternoon, Gay-Dagnogo will be charged with helping Reps. Roberts, Zemke and the entire House Democratic Caucus in responding to the coalition’s recommendations.
“I am humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me and will do my best to honor that confidence,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “Helping urban schools improve is vital to a stronger statewide education system. I am excited to start building strong bipartisan support around statewide solutions.”