Our Priorities
Literacy
Responsible Use of Technology
Responsible Use of Technology
We support the implementation of evidence-based science of reading curriculum across AAPS with the aim of promoting academic excellence and closing the achievement gap.
- In October 2025, we hosted a community gathering with local literacy and dyslexia experts for a discussion of the "Sold a Story" podcast and the state of literacy instruction in AAPS.
- In August 2025, we hosted a Literacy Luncheon for teachers taking Arts & Letters science of reading training. Local vendors donated food and FoE members made monetary contributions. Through the effort of over 30 volunteers, we helped make sure that 480 teachers at 12 locations had a lovely lunch - all in one day!
- We have continued to partner with the Board of Education and Superintendent to support efforts to expand science of reading training across the District.
Responsible Use of Technology
Responsible Use of Technology
Responsible Use of Technology
We support responsible use of technology in schools.
- In mid-2025, we hosted a community discussion with a UofM professor of education regarding responsible use of cell phones and technologies in K12 classrooms.
- In July 2025, FoEA2 began urging the Board of Education to pass a District-wide cell phone policy through public comment and policy recommendations.
- Also in 2025, FoEA2 met with local legislators in the MI House and MI Senate to urge them to pass a statewide cell phone policy.
- We have been proud to support other community groups that have emerged advocating for cell phone policies across the District and driving more conversations about technology in schools.
Good Governance
AAPS Community and Voter Education
AAPS Community and Voter Education
The AAPS Board of Education trustees have a fiduciary duty to the district. FoEA2 works to support trustees in staying focused on the Board's most important priorities: (1) Overseeing the Superintendent, and (2) Maintaining a healthy budget.
- In 2023, FoEA2 collected nearly 2,000 community signatures urging the BOE not to weigh in on divisive geopolitical issues unrelated to District function in a petition titled "Focus on Education A2."
- In 2025, FoEA2 met individually with all 7 members of the Board of Education to discuss issues such as building trust with the community through communication, cell phone policies, and good governance.
- In 2026, FoEA2 members took a deep dive into Board of Education financials and provided recommendations to the BoE to address the financial crisis and teacher contract negotiations.
- FoEA2 regularly attends Board of Education general meetings and committee meetings, gives public comment and provides recommendations on policies.
AAPS Community and Voter Education
AAPS Community and Voter Education
AAPS Community and Voter Education
We believe Ann Arbor community members deserve as much information as possible about the District and that voters are entitled to transparent information before casting their vote for Board of Education candidates. Every FoEA2 member comes with their own unique perspective which is our strength. We aim to model an approach that is open to disagreement and difficult conversations in the name of improving AAPS.
- We send regular newsletters providing information about BoE activities to our subscribers.
- We hold regular FoEA2 member update meetings.
- We engage in a transparent and robust BoE candidate endorsement process. In 2024, FoEA2 endorsed 3 candidates, all of whom were elected. In 2026, FoE has endorsed 4 candidates. See more under "FoEA2 in Action 2026" on this site.
- We engage respectfully and productively and we welcome honest and productive conversations with fellow members of AAPS community.