Dobies Earns Endorsement of Jackson Education Association in Bid for JPS Board of Education

Education Association Endorses Dobies As Best Advocate For Teachers, Students, Parents

Jackson, MI — Former mayor Derek Dobies today announced the endorsement of the Jackson Education Association (JEA) in his campaign for Trustee on the Jackson Public School Board of Education. The endorsement comes from a recommendation committee of JEA teachers living within the Jackson Public Schools district about a month before the November 8th General Election.

“As the son of two public school teachers, I’m honored to have the support of the Jackson Education Association, its teachers and other education professionals in my campaign for JPS Board of Education,” said DOBIES. “I look forward to continuing to work with JEA and our education professionals to attract and retain students across JPS by ensuring educational excellence.”

Dobies said he believes his experiences as mayor and as a community advocate will allow him to help the district with student attraction and retention. He plans to help Jackson Public Schools continue to provide quality education by deepening engagement in the community, investing in teachers, listening to parents, and supporting pathways to post-secondary educational opportunities.

“We endorsed Derek Dobies for JPS School Board because we have the confidence that he will listen to the needs of educators in supporting an environment most conducive to student success,” said Geoff Lowes, President of the Jackson Education Association. “The importance of quality public education for all students continues to be under-appreciated in multiple ways, and we believe that Derek’s experience in the Jackson community will be invaluable to ensuring that Jackson students, teachers, and parents have the absolute best schools and educational opportunities possible.”

Dobies said after declining to seek a third term as mayor he was recruited to run for Trustee by a number of teachers, parents, and administrators. He has already earned the endorsements of incumbent Jackson Public School Board of Education President Angela Mitchell, Vice President Pam Fitzgerald, Secretary Cheryl Simonetti, Treasurer Erin White, and Trustees Libby Brown and Shalanda Hunt. Across the community, Dobies enjoy the support of City of Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney, Vice Mayor Arlene Robinson, and Councilmembers Freddie Dancy, Angelita Gunn, and Will Forgave among others.

There are two open seats for JPS Board of Education with Erin White and Cheryl Simonetti declining to seek another term. The election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.