StudentsFirst's Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee returns to Michigan as education reform group makes mark
LANSING, MI -- StudentsFirst founder Michelle Rhee will serve as a keynote speaker at next week's Mackinac Policy Conference, addressing business and political leaders from across Michigan, where her controversial education reform group has quickly become a major player.
"Michelle will continue to drive the discussion about education, making sure that businesses understand the skills gap and the need to drive innovation in our schools if we're really going to have a better business climate and economic output," said Andy Solon, a former state legislative aide who now heads up the Michigan chapter of California-based StudentsFirst.
"I think it's just a tremendous opportunity for us to build our presence in the state, make folks aware of who we are and what we're trying to do and discuss the goals of our organization."
While some attendees may need an introduction -- the group's stated mission is to "ensure great teachers, access to great schools and effective use of public dollars" -- others who attend the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual policy conference may be quite familiar with StudentsFirst, which has devoted considerable time and resources in Michigan as it