About

Our Mission

Focus on Education Ann Arbor (FOEA2) is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) uphold the highest standards of ethical educational governance for the betterment of the entire Ann Arbor community. FOEA2 advocates for transparent and responsible use of resources, prioritizing the most important educational and academic issues. FOEA2 aims to ensure equitable opportunity and unbiased, fact-based liberal education that is inclusive, allowing for all kinds of diversity, including viewpoint diversity, so that AAPS students develop into well-rounded, critical thinkers.

FOEA2 empowers its members to take an active role in local education through advocacy and administrative oversight. FOEA2 will be a District watchdog to ensure that AAPS lives up to our community's ideals.

Our Story

In early January, 2024, a group of parents initiated a petition called “Focus on Education A2 BOE” opposing the BOE’s passage of a resolution on a highly controversial geopolitical matter wholly outside a local school board’s academic purview. Over 1900 members of the Ann Arbor community signed the petition imploring the resolution’s withdrawal. These 1900 individuals came from a cross-section of our community - from different backgrounds, ideologies, cultures, races, nationalities, ethnicities, and political leanings - with one thing in common, to insist AAPS FOCUS ON EDUCATION.

Just a few weeks later, the BOE disclosed a shocking $25M shortfall which has now resulted in teacher layoffs and program cuts. We have seen division, dysfunction and total lack of integrity from BOE members. And that is why we decided to take the momentum started with the petition to establish Focus on Education, Inc., a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization aimed at holding AAPS accountable for the betterment of the entire Ann Arbor community.

We must get Ann Arbor Public Schools back on track to embody true excellence in education for all students and community members. Every student, every family and every employee of the District is entitled to know that their leadership is FOCUSED on the things that are most important to ensuring excellence in education. We must ensure Ann Arbor Public Schools stay FOCUSED, that they do not sow division, but embody a truly diverse, inclusive and tolerant community that prioritizes the right things.

Better for All. Better for Good.

Core Principles

Diversity

AAPS must live up to its reputation for fostering a diverse community. Ann Arbor schools must exemplify tolerance of all types of diversity to enable differing viewpoints that allow for deeper understanding of each other and the development of critical thinking skills.

Equitable Opportunity

Every member of the AAPS community must have the same opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in AAPS.

Inclusion

Every member of the AAPS community should feel included and comfortable bringing their whole selves to school without fear of exclusion, harassment or discrimination.

Ethics, Integrity & Truth

AAPS District leadership should exemplify good governance and ethical behaviors and must ensure that AAPS remains committed to the pursuit of truth and justice.

Meritocracy

All AAPS students, staff and community members must be treated equally and be given the tools to succeed based on merit.