Local legislator named chair of education committee

Matt Koleszar 

State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) was named chair of the House Committee on Education earlier this month. Koleszar served as president of his local Michigan Education Association chapter at Airport Community Schools where he taught social studies and English for 12 years before joining the Legislature in 2019. 

“As a teacher, I worked through an ever-changing and increasingly challenging landscape that the Legislature created for our public schools,” said Koleszar.  “From the budget cuts during the Snyder administration to counterproductive standardized testing requirements to the security risks our students face within the classroom, I chose to run for state representative to end the downward spiral non-educators created. There is a lot of work ahead of us, and it is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this great responsibility.

I look forward to working with our partners in education in every corner of this state, so we can once again return Michigan to its position as a top 10 state for education and destination for educators.” 

“Matt's experience as a teacher and legislator and proven track record of working across the aisle make him the ideal choice for chairman of the Education Committee. I'm proud to appoint him to that position and excited to see the results he produces for students in every corner of our great state,” said Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit.) 

“We are thrilled with Rep. Koleszar's appointment as chair of the House Education Committee,” said Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association. “As a former teacher himself, Rep. Koleszar understands the critical issues facing our schools, and he will listen to the voices of his fellow educators when it comes to crafting education policy. We look forward to working with Rep. Koleszar, as well as lawmakers from both parties, to improve our schools and provide Michigan educators with the resources they need to help every student succeed.”

 Koleszar represents the 22nd House District, which includes the public school districts of Livonia, Northville and Plymouth-Canton. He graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education and history and from Eastern Michigan University in 2011 with a master of arts degree in English studies for teachers.

Koleszar maintains his Michigan teaching certificate and resides in Plymouth Township with his wife, Kim.