This week CMF members and others around the state will have an opportunity to meet the new state superintendent, Dr. Michael Rice.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is hosting a reception and invites foundations to join in welcoming the new education leader.

Rice was appointed to the position in May after serving as superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools since 2007.

Now at the helm of the MDE, Rice told Michigan Radio and MLive a few of his top priorities include: school funding, early childhood education, literacy, career and technical education and addressing