Paquette Wants Parents To Hire Teachers Directly Through New Statewide School District

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 06/24/2026) A Republican lawmaker unveiled legislation on Wednesday to create a statewide public school district that would allow parents to hire certified teachers directly, arguing the proposal would reward top educators, encourage innovation and move Michigan beyond the traditional classroom model.

Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) presented HB 5919 before the House Education and Workforce Committee, describing the proposal as a "Learner First" district where teachers could establish their own courses, microschools or tutoring programs and be paid with public education funding. Students would progress by demonstrating mastery of a subject rather than accumulating classroom seat time.

Paquette said the idea grew out of years of watching education reforms produce only incremental change while talented teachers left the profession.

"What's better than school choice?" Paquette asked the committee. "I would argue teacher choice."

Under the proposal, a statewide board appointed through the legislative process would oversee the district and approve participating teachers. Certified teachers or eligible college faculty could offer instruction in settings ranging from community buildings to in-home tutoring, allowing parents to select educators they believe best meet their children's needs.

Paquette, a former teacher, said current compensation systems reward longevity more than effectiveness, leaving many accomplished educators with little opportunity to increase their earnings or develop new instructional models.

"My dream would be that my resume would be out there — here's how I teach my course, here's my philosophy of learning — and parents could choose me or not," he said. "I would be compensated very well for the work that I do, the way I do it."

Committee members from both parties questioned how the proposal would operate in practice.

Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), a former teacher, pressed Paquette on who would serve on the governing board and what qualifications members would need. Paquette said he envisioned education reformers serving on the board but acknowledged many of the details would be determined if the legislation advanced.

Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) questioned how the board would evaluate proposals from teachers seeking to participate, while Rep. Joseph Fox (R-Fremont) asked how the legislation could avoid becoming partisan and whether homeschool families could utilize the new model. Paquette responded that he intentionally avoided being overly prescriptive in the bill, saying the board would ultimately determine how best to evaluate innovative educational approaches while remaining subject to existing state education laws.

Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) also questioned whether the proposal could worsen teacher shortages in traditional schools. Paquette argued the opposite would occur, saying giving educators greater freedom and higher earning potential would attract new talent into Michigan classrooms.

The proposal drew support cards from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, while the Michigan Education Association, AFT Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and several other education organizations registered opposition. No vote was taken.

A full transcript of the committee can be found here.