Warren

Voters decide on local school boards

By Maria Allard
C & G Staff Writer

In the Warren Weekly’s coverage area, voters will decide four school board races on May 3. Candidates were asked, in 150 words or less, to state the top items they would wish to accomplish if elected and how they would go about accomplishing them. If a candidate went over their word limit, ( … ) replaced the rest of their answer. (I) indicates the candidate is an incumbent. The answers are printed verbatim.

Center Line Public Schools and East Detroit Public Schools are not holding school board elections at this time. The $45 million CLPS bond proposal will not be on the May ballot; it is expected to be on the Aug. 2 ballot.

Fitzgerald Public Schools Board of Education
Six candidates are running for two four-year terms from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2015.

Lori M. Eseman-Dreyer
Age: 51
Occupation: Business owner 20 years — Creative Custom Framing — Warren, MI
Municipality of residence: Warren, MI
For how long: 51 years
Previously held elected offices: Currently vice president – 2nd year – Chatterton Middle School Parent Group; President of Westview Elementary Parent Group – 3 years; Vice President of Westview Elementary Parent Group – 3 years; Secretary of Westview Elementary Parent Group – 4 years
Education: Macomb Community College – Associates Degree in architectural drafting & design – class of 1980; Fitzgerald High School graduate – class of 1978; attended Chatterton Middle School and Schofield Elementary in the Fitzgerald School District.
Top goals: Lori is a life long resident in the Fitzgerald community; she is married to John and they have three children currently attending schools in the Fitzgerald Public School district. She is deeply concerned about keeping quality education during current difficult economic times. Our children are our states greatest resources; they are the future builders of Michigan’s economy.
Her primary goals are keeping the highest quality of educators, and staff, unfortunately with less state funding available at this time. She also encourages more parent involvement within the school district and believes that promoting good communication is the key to moving the district forward. Volunteering in the Fitzgerald district for over 10 years, often in leadership positions, has given her great insight into staff, student and parent concerns. We must look at every possible option before acting. If elected Lori will add great significant value in forming school board policies.

Debbie Frizzell
Age: 46
Occupation: Office Manager
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 46 years
Previously held elected offices: None
Education: Alumni of Fitzgerald Public Schools, Macomb Community College
Top goals: As an alumni of Fitzgerald Public Schools, wife, mother of 2 daughters, one in High School, one in Chatterton Middle School, and a volunteer in the school system for over 10 years, I feel that working as a team with the other Board Members, I would like to see that our students have every opportunity given to them to lead them into a well-rounded future. I would like to ensure that our school funds are properly placed to get the most for students, staff and faculty. This including managing technology updates, enhancing our fine arts and promoting our athletic programs.

Kenneth G. Hemler
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired Bank of American V.P.
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 31 years
Previously held elected offices: Not given
Education: Associate of Arts from Macomb Community College
Top goals: 1. Keep class sizes as small as possible to give teachers a better chance at educating our children: Given the current financial constraints on Fitzgerald’s budget (State cuts and declining enrollment), first and foremost the district needs to give serious consideration to keeping class sizes small as possible. This will obviously be very challenging and the board will be forced to look at cost savings in every area of the district (in order to keep more teachers in the classroom). Everything will need to be looked at, but potential savings MAY come from Administration-union-employee concessions, outsourcing, eliminating non-core programs, and so on.
2. Initiate discussions with administration and unions to determine what obstacles they face in educating our children.
3. Endeavor to reach consensus with all parties on how the aforementioned obstacles can be overcome.

Hilary A. Kutella (I)
Age: not given
Occupation: Retired – engineer
Municipality of residence: Warren Fitzgerald
For how long: 52 years
Previously held elected offices: Fitzgerald School Board
Education: Attended Macomb Community College, Lawrence Tech, Chrysler Institute graduate, Central Michigan University graduate
Top goals: Fitzgerald Schools are North Central Association and state approved schools. Long range planning to prepare students for the 21 Century using the latest technology available. Improve math, science, reading and writing skills for 21 Century so students can go on to college or find employment upon high school graduation. Next semester we are adding physical therapy to our system.
Our schools are the main points of pride in the Fitzgerald community so academics, buildings and grounds must be kept attractive at all times.
Work to make the State of Michigan pay for student education, not take away money as they have in the past. Currently, the state is taking away $170 per student. The current governor is looking to taking away an additional $300 per student for a total loss of $470 per student. If that happens our students will have a problem with education. This is something the whole (…)

Matt Meyerhoff
Age: 30
Occupation: Oracle Financial Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 29 Years
Previously held elected offices: None
Education: MIS degree from Oakland University with honors and I graduated with high honors from Fitzgerald in 1998
Top goals: My main goal is to do what it takes to graduate smarter students with community involvement, since that is the purpose of schooling. I have no other agenda.

Thomas Owczarek (I)
Age: 64
Occupation: Facility and environmental manager
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 41 years
Previously held elected offices: School board, Fitzgerald Schools 28 years
Education: Degree, Macomb Comm. Col., trade certificates from Central Mi., Purdue Univ., Wayne State – other electrical, hydraulic & air logic certifications. Management positions & training for 43 years.
Top goals: 1. Continue with the best education we can give to all students in our district. Preparing them for higher education and the global work force.
2. Find ways, through innovation, to keep our district fulfilling the needs and safety of our students in these times of extreme funding reductions.
3. Develop additional methods to strengthen our partnerships with business, community members and groups, and local governments to assist in the growth student and district. Career programs, that we have, and more to come will help many students earn dollars to help them through their degree programs.
 

Van Dyke Public Schools Board of Education
Four candidates are running for three six-year terms from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2017.

Jim Brinkey (I)
Age: 49
Occupation: none
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: (49) life-long (includes 4 years in military service)
Previously held elected offices: Van Dyke School board, Trustee, Treasurer (2007-2011)
Education: HS grad from Lincoln (1979), some college
Top goals: I would like all our schools to pass AYP and not be on the failing schools list by increased workings with the new superintendent, Joe Pius, and his administrative staff.
I would like to get a projected balanced budget for the next several school years in place so the district can work on more important issues such as increased student achievement and the continuation of the bond construction throughout the district.
I would like to see more school spirit and moral increased among the student population and I would like to see more parental involvement in their students school life, by attending conferences, open houses, sporting events, more teacher one on ones, etc. I would love to see parent involvement double over the next year at all these events.

Deron J. Brown
Did not respond to questionnaire

David C. Cowlbeck (I)
Age: 64
Occupation: retired machinist
Municipality of residence: Van Dyke Public Schools
For how long: 37 years
Previously held elected offices: Trustee Van Dyke Board of Education, offices held — president, vice pres, secretary, treasurer
Education: not given
Top goals: School funding is a critical issue throughout the state. Our job is to insure that our tax dollars are used to the best advantage, making sure that each expenditure is necessary to provide for our students.
We will continue to work together with administers and staff to insure a safe and caring atmosphere, with up-graded programs to provide a quality education for all students.
“KEEPING the PROMISE”. In 2008 voters approved a 62.6 million dollar bond to renovate and add state of the art technology to all the schools. At this point we are about half way through. Lincoln Elementary re-opened in September 2010, while work continues on Lincoln High School. This summer we will revisit Lincoln Middle School. Work will begin on Carlson Elementary, this summer, and the plans for McKinley will follow.

Carol J. Kelsey
Age: 65 years old
Occupation: Retired from the Automotive Industry
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 65 years
Previously held elected offices: I have had the honor of serving as a Trustee and a Treasure on the Van Dyke School Board from 1979-1983.
Education: 1964 Graduate of Lincoln Senior High School, Certificate for Utility Machinist for LTV Aerospace Corporation, Certificate in Labor Law from Macomb Community College, Certificate for Courtroom Stenographer.
Top goals: would like to focus on alleviating bullying. To do this, I believe, we need to be productive in reducing bullying, by becoming more involved with children with the goal of helping them become empowered in knowing what actions to take when being bullied. Also, kids need to know when to recognize that they themselves are bullies and to understand and be empathetic in order to curb their negative behaviors
I want our schools to feel like a safe place for kids to learn. I have the time available to be involved within our community and research what steps other productive school districts have used to achieve and implement them.
I hope to ensure that our children retain a quality education during these tough economic times. My vote needs to count toward the kids benefit when deciding what should be passed for the school budget.
 

Van Dyke Public Schools
Two candidates are running for the one partial term ending June 30, 2013.

Kelly Marie Kolassa
Age: 43
Occupation: Receptionist at a mechanical contractor company
Municipality of residence: Center Line
For how long: 41 years
Previously held elected offices: Kramer Homes Co-Operative Advisory Committee Member (9 years); Secretary for the Advisory Committee of Kramer Homes Co-Operative (6 of 9 years); Active parent in my son’s school P.T.O. (Kennedy Elem. & Lincoln M.S)
Education: Kramer Elementary (K-5th); Kennedy Elementary (6th); Lincoln Jr. High School (7th & 8th); Lincoln High School (9th-12th); Macomb Community College (1991-1993)
Top goals: If I were to get elected to the Van Dyke Public Schools Board of Education – I would like to work on keeping the budget balanced, so each extra-curricular activity is equal. Being someone who was active in band during my school years, I know that it helped me focus more on learning & become a better person today.
With that same aspect, there are funds available through Lansing that I would like to appeal for & receive more support and funding for our school district. With that funding, we would be able to continue to supply the students with the newest technology to prepare them for the next stage in school and life. *DON’T FORGET TO VOTE MAY 3RD*

Tina Rae Mills
Age: 47
Occupation: Work for Van Dyke Public Schools 5 years, and sales 3 years
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 45 yrs.
Previously held elected offices: 2005-2006 PTO Treasurer Carlson Elem.; 2008-2009, PTO Treasurer Lincoln Middle School
Education: Graduate of Lincoln High 1982, some college – Macomb Community.
Top goals: I want to have the board more student and family oriented instead of all political and all about dollars and cents. It should be all about the students and their education, and family involvement. Lansing keeps making it a negative thing about schools and we need to make it a more positive environment for our students and families.
I would like the board to listen to the concerns and suggestions of the students and the residents, and to take them serious. The residents should have the right to how the board arrives at the decisions they make.
I want to place a staff representative like we have currently a student representative to give feedback on what is going on in the schools. And have more board members involvement in the school buildings. And to hold the students liable for their actions and follow the code of conduct handbook. This would (…)
 

Warren Woods Public Schools Board of Education
Three candidates filed for the three six-year terms that run July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2017.

Donald Marx (I), treasurer
Age: 48
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 18 years
Education: Associates Degree – Auto Body Design
Top goals: I believe that Warren Woods School District has been able to maintain technology even with a limited budget. It is very important in the coming years to supply our students with the latest technology updates so they can succeed in college and the work environment.
There will also be some exciting times as the State of Michigan rolls out the Common Core State Academic Standards in 2014-2015. Over the next few years our district will be preparing for this. These new set of standards will insure that our students will be college and career ready.
Warren Woods School District has done a great job maintaining a fund balance to get us through these very difficult financial times. Although things will probably get tougher before they get easier, I believe that our chances of making through these troubling times are better than most districts in the state.

Michael Schulte
Did not respond to questionnaire

Kay F. Walsh (I)
Age: 58
Occupation: Account Clerk – City of Sterling Heights
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 58 years
Previously held elected offices: I have been on the Warren Woods Board of Education for 15 years, I have held the office of Board Secretary and Board Treasurer, and currently I am the Board Secretary.
Education: Graduate of Warren Woods High School – 1971.
Top goals: The schools in Michigan are facing a critical time now with our school aid funding and it is imperative that as a board member we let our State representatives know exactly how the lack of proper funding will affect our students. The challenge as a Board member will be to continue to provide our students with the high quality of education that they so deserve. We will need to continue to be financially responsible. Many things are affected by this crisis and class size is also an issue. We must try and keep those numbers down in the coming school year. We also need to focus on setting a curriculum that prepares our students for the future. With your support I will do my best to provide your students with the education that they deserve.
 

Warren Woods Public Schools Board of Education
One candidate is running for the one partial term ending June 30, 2013.

Paul Zannetti (I)
Age: 45 years old
Occupation: Assistant Plant Controller – Ford Motor Company Sterling Axle Plant
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 20 years
Previously held elected offices: Appointed to Warren Woods School Board
Education: B.S. Finance — Oakland University, M.B.A. Operations Management — Lawrence Technological University
Top goals:1) Focus on district wide improvement on MEAP scores as well as improvement in the overall ACT composite scores for WWT high school students. We need to continue to focus on providing a solid educational foundation for all K-12 students to insure they excel on standardized tests. I plan to assist in this improvement by leveraging the resources of the Board of Education, the Curriculum Director, and the Superintendent to dedicate the necessary financial resources and personnel to make this happen.
2) Focus on technological improvements. I believe the ability to prepare our students to utilize the latest software programs, smart boards, etc. will allow them to be competitive at the collegiate level or in the general workforce. I will continue to work closely with Administration to insure we have a comprehensive technology upgrade plan that is adequately funded as well as on the cutting edge of new hardware and software development(…)

Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education
Three candidates are running for one four-year term from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2015.

Ben Lazarus
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 21 years
Education: Central Michigan University
Previously held elected offices: None
Top goals: Something’s not right in America today. You can feel it and so can I. Our children are going to grow up in a world that is far more faster, complex, and dangerous than ever before. Compared to just a few years ago, the challenges our kids will face require independent leadership, not more of the same political games. When it comes to making tough decisions about what matters the most, you need someone who listens and works for you. Now I’m not a teacher, and I don’t work for any party with a financial interest in the school board budget. But I am a fighter and an optimist. I worked with Mayor Fouts, who taught me that good leadership comes from putting people first, always having an open door, and never budging on what matters, and that’s exactly what I plan to do as your next school board member.

Megan Papasian-Broadwell
Age: 34
Occupation: Special Education Teacher - Macomb Intermediate School District
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 5 years
Education: University of Michigan-Dearborn: Masters of Education in Special Education; Eastern Michigan University: Bachelor of Science - Major: Secondary Education/Social Studies, Minor: Geography
Previously held elected offices: None
Top goals: As a WCS board member my priority will be to focus on fiscal responsibility, competitive educational programming and providing students with a safe and supportive educational experience. It is imperative to build a long term approach to managing the budget. I will focus on a positive education for students with effective curriculum, technology and staff. It is important to provide students with a positive educational experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Carl B. Weckerle
Age: 33
Occupation: Administrator at Macomb College
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 5.5 years
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education with a Concentration in Mathematics and a Master of Education with a Major in Instructional Technology (K-12 Focus), both from Wayne State University.
Previously held elected offices: No publicly elected offices. I currently serve on the District School Improvement Team, the Siersma School Improvement Team and participated as a Parent Focus Group member.
Top goals: Our schools are in the midst of challenging financial times. We need someone on the board who has experience managing budgets and projects and will be an advocate for our kids. I have the experience and I will not lose sight of what is most important to us all: our children. My bottom line priority will be given to expenditures which most impact student achievement.
We need to have high expectations for everyone in the district and hold them accountable. I will hold myself to those same high standards and will listen to any resident who feels that I am not meeting expectations.
We need to continue using data in a way that focuses our decisions (curriculum, financial, personnel, etc.) and directs us towards effectiveness and efficiency.
I will be ready to humbly serve this district on day one. Thank you and please visit www.carlweckerle.com for more information.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1045.