Julie Plawecki.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Julie Plawecki, a longtime teaching professional and 20-year resident of Dearborn Heights, has announced her candidacy for the 11th House District. 

Plawecki, 52, was approached by community leaders late last year to fill the seat, which consists of portions of Dearborn Heights, Livonia, Westland and all of Inkster and Garden City. 

Plawecki’s science and education background have motivated her to seek elective office for the first time.

 “Sadly, our state leaders have severely underfunded these areas and neglected environmental concerns, vital to the success of present and future generations,” she said. “My background is uniquely tailored to helping children get the resources needed to become college and career ready to compete in a fast-changing world economy.”

Plawecki, a former medical technologist educated in Warren public schools and Michigan State University, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University and obtained her professional teaching certificate from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She has taught science, math, and religion at both the secondary and elementary school levels. For the last decade, Julie has worked at St. Robert Bellarmine in Redford and also coached the school’s Science Olympiad team. The dual Chemistry and General Science major is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Plawecki said she’s been “extremely pleased and honored” by the show of support in the community from officials such as Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko, City Treasurer John Riley, City Clerk Walt Prusiewicz, and Councilpersons Joe Kosinski and Marge Horvath. 

The candidate stated she expected the endorsements of several key labor groups in the near future. She has been married 25 years to veteran 20th District Court Judge Mark Plawecki, and the couple has three daughters.