Here is Caitlin Emma in Politico on the potential Kelly nomination. A bit weird that adult education not mentioned as being part of this office, although I wouldn’t read anything into this necessarily. Can anyone think of a good adult education source in Michigan who might be willing to comment on Kelly’s nomination? Jeff > Begin forwarded message: > MEET THE NEW HEAD OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL ED? A Michigan state lawmaker aligned politically with Betsy DeVos on school choice issues - and who was a recipient of funds from a school choice advocacy group with ties to her - is reportedly being eyed as an assistant secretary overseeing career and technical education within the Education Department. Tim Kelly, a Republican who chairs both the House education committee and the appropriations subcommittee that controls school spending in Michigan, has done interviews with both Detroit newspapers saying he expects to get the appointment. Beyond his enthusiasm for measures like vouchers, Kelly's socially conservative views on LGBT issues have also put him at odds with Michigan Democrats - calling guidelines spelling out bathroom protections for transgender students "hogwash" in a radio interview <http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=6647671a67350d1c7c522e1f25a9c77f19237bf0c909bbbb289de5469448a9100c0f2730a587be55b6ba02e48226e584>. But despite these disagreements, some Democrats interviewed by Morning Education say they've found Kelly to be respectful of the legislative process and positively engaged on issues that he would oversee. > > - State Rep. Adam Zemke, a Democrat from Ann Arbor who serves as vice chair of the state House education committee, said the two worked closely to update the state's educator evaluation system and boost access to hands-on STEM programs in the state's schools. Zemke said he think Kelly would do a good job focused on career education "Even though we don't see eye to eye on all things, I've always found him good to work with," Zemke said. On "CTE stuff and the STEM stuff he's been a great partner." > > - David Hecker, the president of AFT Michigan, said the union and Kelly have clashed on issues such as teacher retirement, the future of Detroit schools and school funding. Hecker, however, said he thinks they share a belief that career education is an equal track to college and deserving of attention. If Kelly's really centered on career and technical education "he'll probably be a good advocate," Hecker said. If Kelly "wanders" into working on areas of school choice or schooling funding, "then you know we may have some problems," he added. > > - Still, Stephanie White, executive director of Equality Michigan, said Kelly hasn't shown an awareness or understanding of LGBT issues, and she hopes he's had a chance of heart. "Any time somebody who has has these outdated views of LGBT people and they take on national roles, it's a concern for us," White said. > > - An Education Department spokeswoman referred questions about whether Kelly would be nominated to the job to the White House, which declined to comment. Kelly couldn't be reached for comment. Gary Naeyaert, the former executive director of the Great Lakes Education Project, which advocates for school choice in Michigan, said if Kelly is picked, there really isn't any question whether he shares the same views as DeVos and President Donald Trump - at least when it comes to school choice. "If you're going to be surrounded by a leadership team, I think it's always helpful that they are rowing in the same direction," Naeyaert said. >