Overview
- Four candidates—Chris Swanson, Jocelyn Benson, Mike Cox and Mike Duggan—took questions in Detroit at a Michigan Education Association forum.
- Duggan vowed to return the $1.3 billion in sales-tax revenue he says was siphoned from public schools, calling it roughly $1,000 per student.
- Benson said a new funding model should be built with educators at the center to meet local needs from Alpena to Muskegon and to power Michigan’s economy.
- Swanson urged raising starting pay into the $60,000–$80,000 range, while Cox argued districts are top-heavy and should direct more dollars into classrooms; candidates also discussed literacy, wrap-around services, safety and free meals.
- The Detroit event followed a Kalamazoo business forum where Benson pitched sector hubs and permitting refunds, Duggan highlighted an independent bid, John James pushed lower taxes, and Aric Nesbitt called for fewer regulations.