Bree Moeggenberg, a Republican from Mount Pleasant, is running for the Michigan State Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Voters may choose up to two candidates for two eight-year seats.

She is one of 10 candidates on the ballot, according to the Michigan Department of State’s official candidate list. The others are Democrats Tiffany Tilley and Judith Pritchett; Republican Terence Collins; Libertarian Charles Essner; U.S. Taxpayers candidates Christine C. Schwartz and William Mohr II; Natural Law candidate Kelli Monroe; Working Class candidate Mary Anne Hering; and Green Party candidate Wissam Charafeddine.

Moeggenberg responded to the Rochester Register candidate questionnaire on Oct. 2. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.

Asked why she is running, Moeggenberg cited her experience as a mother, child care provider, small-business owner and child advocate.

“We can, and must, do better for Michigan's children,” she said.

She said schools have become too focused on systems and compliance while students struggle with academic skills, attendance, behavior and engagement. Her priorities include academic fundamentals, stable learning environments, parental involvement, teacher support and accountability.

“My goal is simple: open more doors for Michigan students and prepare them not just to graduate, but to succeed in life,” she said.

Candidate information

Residence: Mount Pleasant, according to county election information.

Party: Republican. Moeggenberg said her approach emphasizes parental involvement, individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, local decision-making and strong academic foundations.

Education: Moeggenberg reported earning a bachelor’s degree from Alma College, with a background in exercise and health science.

Family: She has three grown children.

Family in politics or government: Moeggenberg said no family member works in politics or government.

Experience and public service

Moeggenberg said she has worked as a licensed child care provider and small-business owner for nearly 20 years. Her professional background also includes business management, administration, coordination and customer service.

She described experience working with children from infancy through school age, including supporting early literacy, development, behavior and school readiness.

“For approximately 20 years, I have operated a licensed childcare business entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities possible: caring for other people's children,” she said.

She said running the business has involved managing finances, staffing, licensing requirements, safety, educational programming and relationships with parents.

Moeggenberg said she has not held elected public office. She reported being elected to the Michigan Republican Party’s Second Congressional District Committee and previously serving as a Republican state committeewoman.

Asked what accomplishments prepare her for the board, she cited raising her children, operating her business and becoming involved in education policy and civic leadership.

“I don't believe leadership means having every answer,” she said. “It means being willing to listen, learn, take responsibility, and make thoughtful decisions.”

On the issues

Student engagement and academic foundations: Moeggenberg identified disengagement as the most pressing challenge facing students and schools.

“We see it in students who are chronically absent or disconnected from learning, parents who feel unheard, and educators who feel unsupported,” she said.

She supports stronger literacy and mathematics instruction, stable classrooms, earlier identification of struggling students, appropriate support and closer parent-teacher partnerships. She also emphasizes helping students develop planning, organization and self-management skills.

Balancing priorities: Moeggenberg said academic achievement, mental health, safety and teacher retention should be addressed together.

“A safe, stable classroom supports learning. Supported teachers are better positioned to teach,” she said.

She supports student services, teacher recruitment and retention, parental involvement and transparent measures of school performance.

“Academic achievement must remain a central responsibility of schools, but achieving it requires an environment where teachers can teach and students can learn,” she said.

Pathways after graduation: Moeggenberg wants schools to give greater recognition to agriculture, skilled trades, careers, service and practical preparation for adult life.

She said students have different strengths and goals, and schools should provide multiple routes to success.

What sets her apart: Moeggenberg cited nearly two decades of direct work with children and families. She said her priorities include academic proficiency, classroom stability, teacher support and transparency.

She also said she is working with fellow Republican candidate Terence Collins and that they favor measuring educational success by outcomes rather than compliance.

Advice that guides her

“Never be afraid to stand up for what is right,” Moeggenberg said.

She said that can mean asking difficult questions, speaking up and remaining committed when change is needed.

This profile draws primarily on Bree Moeggenberg’s responses to the Rochester Register candidate questionnaire, with additional information from official election records. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain her wording.