HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
REP. MATT KOLESZAR
CHAIR
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 11,
2024
5:30
PM
Sterling Heights High School, School Commons
12901 15 Mile Rd. Sterling Heights, MI 48312
The House Committee on Education was called to order by Chair Koleszar.
The Chair requested attendance be called:
Present: Reps. Koleszar, Churches, Shannon, Weiss, Glanville, Conlin, Edwards, Wegela,
Greene, Wendzel, Johnsen.
Absent: Reps. Markkanen, Paquette.
Excused: Reps. Markkanen, Paquette.
Representative Wendzel joined the committee remotely.
Representative Shannon moved to adopt the meeting minutes from March 5, 2024. There
being no objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent.
The Chair and Representative Shannon made opening remarks.
The Chair laid a series of presentations on the school counselor and school psychologist
shortage in Michigan before the committee.
David Meengs, Chief Academic Officer for Warren Consolidated Schools, gave an overview
presentation on the school counselor and psychologist shortage. Questions and discussion
followed.
Lauren Mangus, representing the Michigan Association of School Psychologists, Terri
Tchorzynski, representing the Michigan School Counselor Association, and Diana Wheatley,
representing the Michigan Association of School Social Workers, gave a presentation
together on the shortage of school counselors and psychologists in Michigan. Questions and
discussion followed.
Todd Distelrath, Principal of Chippewa Valley High School, gave a presentation on the
shortage of school counselors and psychologists. Questions and discussion followed.
Dr. Sheryl Kennedy, representing the Michigan Department of Education, gave a presentation
of the shortage of school counselors and psychologists.
Representative Churches moved to excuse Representatives Markkanen and Paquette from the
meeting. There being no objection the motion prevailed by unanimous consent.
There being no further business before the committee, Chair Koleszar adjourned the meeting
at 7:00 PM.
Representative Matt Koleszar, Chair
Legan Rose
Committee Clerk
LRose@house.mi.gov