State to host public meeting on education spending and reforms Monday at Ann Arbor Pioneer

The State Board of Education has launched a series of public events around the state to discuss education policies and reform.

The series will make a stop at Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School from 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 11.

The State Board is helping to convene a number of community forums this winter and spring to "encourage engagement and facilitate public engagement and thoughtful discussion of current education issues, education reforms, financing proposals and potential legislation," according to the Michigan Department of Education.

The Washtenaw Alliance for Education is hosting Ann Arbor's forum. The Alliance for Education is a joint committee of superintendents and two school board members from each of the county's 10 traditional public school districts. It was formed in February 2012.

State Board President John Austin, State Board member Eileen Weiser and several local education officials are expected to speak at the event.

Austin, a Democrat from Ann Arbor, was re-elected to the position of president for the state board in January. He first was elected to Michigan's State Board of Education in 2000.

Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.