Former teacher to lead charge to improve state’s education system

State Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) today was appointed to lead the House Education & Workforce Committee. As chairwoman, she will help lead the effort to deliberate legislation regarding the state’s schools, students, teachers and education system.

Appointed to chair the committee by Speaker Matt Hall, DeBoer has a strong background in education, making her very qualified for this new role. She began her career as a middle and high school English teacher after receiving her degree in secondary education from Calvin College.

She is also the proud mother of two educators. Her daughter is a Michigan public school teacher and her son teaches at a Catholic school in Virginia. Her husband, Jim DeBoer, also taught in the public school system for 30 years and is now a professor at Hope College.

“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this important committee that plays an essential role in building the futures of Michigan’s children,” DeBoer said. “I am passionate about ensuring every child in our state has an equal opportunity for success and every parent is at the forefront of their kids’ education.”

During the 2023-24 legislative session, her first term as representative, DeBoer served as the Republican vice chair of the School Aid and Michigan Department of Education Subcommittee and also sat on the subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges.

The representative recently had a bill related to school safety signed into law. The bill, introduced last term, was approved by two legislative chambers under Democrat control and signed into law by Michigan’s Democrat governor; proving DeBoer’s steadfast ability to work in bipartisanship to better the lives and learning environments of students.

“There’s nothing more important than our children,” DeBoer said. “The issues facing them should be among our highest priorities. Since the beginning my governmental service career on the Holland City Council, and throughout my time as mayor, I have focused on treating each person with dignity and respect and working to build a better community together with people whether we agree on everything or not. I look forward to working alongside every member of this committee to make Michigan a better place to learn.”

The Education & Workforce Committee will meet on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in room 327 of the House Office Building. Local residents can tune into every committee meeting online, and can subscribe to committee notices via the Legislature’s website.

DeBoer was also appointed to serve as a member of the committees on Health Policy; Rules; and Energy. Visit her website to stay up to date on her activity at the capital.

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