Judith P. Pritchett, a Democrat from Washington Township, is seeking reelection to the Michigan State Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Two eight-year seats are on the statewide ballot, and voters may choose up to two candidates, according to Michigan’s official candidate list.
Pritchett responded to the Plymouth-Canton Post candidate questionnaire on Oct. 5. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
“I am seeking reelection to the State Board of Education because I believe that public education is the cornerstone of democracy,” she said.
Pritchett said her priorities include equitable educational opportunities, qualified teachers and safe, supportive schools.
Candidate information
Residence: Washington Township, according to her official State Board of Education biography.
Party: Democratic.
Family: “I am married and my husband and I have two children and two granddaughters,” she said.
Education: Pritchett said she earned four degrees from Oakland University: a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in curriculum, an education specialist degree in curriculum and leadership, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Current office: Pritchett serves as secretary of the State Board of Education. In her questionnaire, she also reported chairing its Legislative Committee and serving on its Special Education Committee.
Experience and public service
Pritchett was first elected to the State Board of Education in 2018, according to her official biography.
Before retiring in 2017, she worked as an educator and administrator in Macomb County, including at Utica Community Schools, Mount Clemens Community Schools and Center Line Public Schools.
Her positions included high school social studies teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and superintendent. Before retirement, she was chief academic officer for the Macomb Intermediate School District.
Pritchett said that experience informs her decisions on the state board.
“When I am at the Board table, I rely on those experiences and my relationships with local leaders as I consider items before the Board,” she said.
Asked about accomplishments that prepare her for the role, she emphasized helping students overcome challenges and guiding staff through new programs and financial pressures.
“It takes a community to build a strong public school system,” she said.
On the issues
Safe, supportive schools: Pritchett identified creating positive learning environments as the most pressing challenge facing students and schools.
“Every student deserves a safe, nurturing place to learn with highly qualified teachers and staff members who are supported in their work,” she said.
She cited addressing teacher shortages, supporting students’ broader needs and encouraging family involvement as priorities.
Balancing academic and student needs: Pritchett said academic achievement, equal opportunity, school safety and teacher quality require a shared commitment across the school community.
“That includes honest discussions with a focus on students and not only their academic needs but their socio-economic priorities also,” she said.
She said schools should communicate their needs clearly and help the public understand their priorities.
What sets her apart: Pritchett emphasized her experience as a teacher, administrator, superintendent and intermediate school district leader.
“I have sat with students as they celebrated success or worked toward solving problems,” she said.
She also described working with local school boards facing challenges and with lawmakers on education issues.
Endorsements
Pritchett’s confirmed 2026 endorsements include:
Other candidates
The other candidates for the two seats are Tiffany Tilley, a Democrat; Terence Collins and Bree Moeggenberg, Republicans; Charles Essner, a Libertarian; William Mohr II and Christine C. Schwartz, U.S. Taxpayers Party candidates; Wissam Charafeddine, a Green Party candidate; Mary Anne Hering, a Working Class Party candidate; and Kelli Monroe, a Natural Law Party candidate, according to official election records.
Advice that guides her
Pritchett said she tries to read or listen to opposing views when considering a change or new direction.
“I may not ultimately agree but I will have a better understanding of the issue from multiple perspectives,” she said.
This profile draws primarily on Judith P. Pritchett’s responses to the Plymouth-Canton Post candidate questionnaire, with additional information from her official State Board of Education biography, state election records and endorsing organizations. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain her wording.
