FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026
Contact: Hannah Osantowske
press@johnjamesmi.com
JOHN JAMES RELEASES “FROM 44TH TO FIRST”: A BOLD EDUCATION FREEDOM AGENDA TO MAKE MICHIGAN #1 IN AMERICA
Combat Veteran, Business Owner, and Father of Three Unveils Most Comprehensive Education Reform Plan in Michigan History
Shelby Township, MI — Republican gubernatorial frontrunner John James today released his Education Freedom Agenda, a sweeping plan to transform Michigan’s failing education system and make the Great Lakes State the number one state in the nation for education by Michigan’s 200th Birthday in 2037.
“My parents came to Michigan from the Jim Crow South with nothing but faith, hard work, and a belief that this state would give their children a better life. That promise was built on one foundation: a good education. That promise has been broken. This is a moral failure. These are not statistics. These are children. That ends on January 1, 2027.”
— John James
Michigan’s Report Card
Before a single policy is debated, the numbers tell the undeniable reality. This is what years of failed Lansing leadership has produced for Michigan’s children:
These are not statistics. These are children. And they have been failed year after year after year.
Michigan is being left behind. High-growth states across the South and throughout the Midwest have already enacted these reforms and are seeing results. While the rest of the country moves forward, Michigan stands with California, New York, and Oregon — states that have chosen ideology over outcomes, bureaucracy over parents, and put their kids last. Michigan families deserve better. That changes on January 1, 2027.
The John James Education Freedom Agenda
James’ plan prioritizes accountability for bureaucrats, incentives for teachers, choice for parents, and hope for children. He has committed to taking every bold step necessary including executive orders, legislation, litigation, and constitutional change to make this education revolution happen.
Choice: Every family deserves a safe school that meets their child’s unique learning needs. Not the one their zip code assigned them. On day one, John will opt Michigan into the Federal K-12 Education Freedom Tax Credit, putting scholarship dollars directly in parents’ hands. Expand charter school options and embrace innovation in every education setting.
Accountability: Michigan ranks 44th. John will pursue a constitutional amendment making the Governor directly accountable for Michigan’s education outcomes. No more passing the buck.
Back to Basics: Proven phonics. Literacy-based promotion: restore Michigan’s 3rd grade reading retention law. Physical textbooks. Cellphones out of classrooms. The basics work. Michigan is going back to them.
Every Child Gets the Time to Succeed: Students advance by mastery, not just age. Targeted intervention for those falling behind. Wraparound services for those who need additional support. Year-round instruction available statewide. John will partner with parents and teachers to address chronic absenteeism and behavior issues in the classroom.
Diplomas That Open Doors: Michigan needs electricians as much as engineers and young artists deserve nurturing and career paths too. Every student not headed to college or military service will graduate with a trade certification, professional license, or career-ready portfolio. A Michigan diploma will be a passport to opportunity.
Money in Classrooms, Not Bureaucracies: Nearly 600 school districts. Hundreds of millions in administrative overhead. Less than half of this spending reaches a child. John will eliminate bureaucracy and put every dollar of savings into reducing burdens on taxpayers while increasing funds for classrooms, teachers, and students.
Reward Great Teachers: Pay increases, performance bonuses, and public recognition for great teachers. Fewer barriers so engineers, veterans, and professionals can bring real-world knowledge into Michigan classrooms.
Fairness and Safety for Every Girl: John will defend Title IX. Girls’ sports, restrooms, and locker rooms will be protected.
Support Michigan’s Boys: Girls outpace boys in graduation. Young men face suicide rates 3 to 4 times higher than young women. John will bring mentors from the trades and private sector into schools and support innovation built around the real needs of young men.
Civics That Means Something: Pledge of Allegiance restored. Civics test required. Debate mandatory. Michigan’s students will graduate knowing what America is, why it matters, and their duty to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity.
The Education Freedom Agenda builds on a growing body of bold, comprehensive policy leadership from John James. He proposed Michigan’s most enforceable Parents’ Bill of Rights. He put forward a sweeping Freedom from Corruption Agenda to clean up Lansing and end the revolving door. In Washington, he voted to cut taxes for Michigan working families and small businesses, putting more money back in the pockets of the people who power Michigan’s economy.
James championed and helped pass the federal Parents’ Bill of Rights, giving parents across America unprecedented transparency and control over what their children are taught and how they are treated in school. And he led the effort to pass the Education Freedom Tax Credit, a historic federal law that directly empowers parents with educational options for the first time in American history.
“From the battlefield to the shop floor to the halls of Congress, John James has never left a mission incomplete, and he’s determined to complete this one for Michigan’s families now. Making Michigan the number one state in education is the mission he is running to accomplish.”
— Hannah Osantowske, James Campaign Spokesperson
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