November 2024 Election: FHPS Board of Education Candidates - Forest Hills Public Schools % (2024)

  1. Please provide a brief bio about yourself. Please include your personal background and experience/involvement with our schools and community, as well as what motivates you to want to become a board member.
    As a 22-year Grand Rapids resident, married 30 years, father of two FHPS graduates, coach, and business leader, I bring a unique perspective to the board. My background in education and successful career in business management provides a solid foundation for understanding both educational and operational aspects of the district. My deep involvement with FHPS includes roles as a substitute teacher, bus driver, basketball coach, and scoreboard operator. For the past two years, I’ve attended every financial, curriculum, and monthly school board meetings, and special meetings, as well as Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Charter township meetings, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the district’s operations and its role in the broader community. My motivation to become a board member stems from a desire to apply my diverse experience to improve our schools. Key areas I aim to address include enhancing the transportation department, strengthening community connections, utilizing my business acumen for efficient resource (financial) allocation, and fostering innovative educational approaches. I believe my unique combination of educational background, business experience, and commitment to community service will be invaluable in making informed decisions for our students and staff, maintaining FHPS’s excellence while addressing current challenges and preparing for future needs.
  2. What talents/passions/experiences do you possess and how will they benefit the board?
    My talents, passions, and experiences that benefit the board include:
    • Executive Leadership:
      Ability to work with diverse viewpoints and mediate issues
      Skills in financial planning and decision-making for short-term and long-term budgeting
    • Hands-on Educational Experience:
      Active involvement as a substitute teacher at all schools, middle school basketball coach, and bus driver
      Regular attendance at financial, curriculum, monthly school board, staff, and special meetings
    • Community Engagement:
      Passion for transparency and open communication
      Commitment to listening and addressing community concerns
    • Analytical Skills:
      Ability to assess long-term impacts of decisions
      Experience in evaluating financial stability and resource allocation
    • Continuous Learning:
      Commitment to understanding all aspects of district operations
      Staying informed about educational trends and challenges
      Attending Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Charter Township meetings to be better connected as part of the community
    • Transportation Expertise:
      First-hand experience as a bus driver
      Commitment to improving the transportation system

These experiences uniquely position me to contribute effectively to the school board. My diverse background allows me to approach issues from multiple perspectives, ensuring well-rounded decision-making. My active involvement in the district provides current, relevant insights for board discussions. Most importantly, my passion for education and community service drives my commitment to excellence in our schools.

3. What are some of the current challenges facing public education in Michigan, and how would you work collectively with fellow board members to address the challenges and opportunities in our district?

Michigan Public Education, including Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS), faces significant challenges that require immediate attention. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a thriving educational environment. Key challenges facing FHPS:

  • Declining enrollment (30% drop in 8 years)
  • Budget constraints
  • Transportation challenges (68 square miles, 800,000 miles annually)
  • Staff retention issues (teachers, principals, bus drivers)
  • Parent engagement
  • Student involvement in extra-curricular activities
  • Community division

To address these challenges, I will work collaboratively with fellow board members to:

  1. Promote transparency through clear communication and livestreamed meetings
  2. Encourage data-driven decision making
  3. Prioritize fiscal responsibility
  4. Improve transportation services
  5. Foster collaboration among stakeholders
  6. Champion student-centered policies
  7. Balance stakeholder interests

I am committed to presenting these strategies to the board and advocating for their implementation. My goal is to convince the board to be open to these changes, using my firsthand experience and data-driven approach to demonstrate their potential benefits. Specific strategies include implementing exit surveys, investigating educational programs, scrutinizing expenditures, focusing on student engagement, ensuring parent voices are heard, and addressing transportation department challenges. By working together and being open to new approaches, we can strengthen FHPS and create an environment where students, teachers, and families thrive.

  1. What is a source of pride that you have as a member of the Forest Hills Public Schools Community?

Living in the community and becoming more active in FHPS since 2021 is a significant source of pride for me. My involvement in various roles has deepened my appreciation for the district’s dedication and excellence. My sources of pride include:

  • Basketball coaching:
    • Witnessing players’ skill improvement/teamwork
    • Collaborating with outstanding athletic directors and coaching staff
    • Experiencing strong community parental support
  • Operating Central’s basketball scoreboard:
    • Working with another exceptional athletic director, coaches, support staff, and interacting with the team players
  • Substitute teaching across all district schools:
    • Interacting with dedicated principals, office staff, and teachers
    • Being among the students, witnessing their growth and enthusiasm is something everyone should experience
  • Becoming a substitute bus driver:
    • Working with great drivers and support staff
    • Dedicated bus drivers are to the safety, welfare and care of the kids – the first and last contact in the student’s day.

These diverse roles have provided unique insights and a deep connection to the FHPS community. As a school board member, this firsthand experience equips me to make informed decisions for the district. My involvement has instilled in me a profound sense of pride in FHPS. Reinforcing the strong sense of community, collaboration, and dedication that defines Forest Hills Public Schools.

  1. What is your vision for the district, and how can we better serve our students and families?

My vision for FHPS by elevating our district to a top-tier educational institution in Michigan. To achieve this, we must:

  • Enhance Academic Performance:
    • Improve core subjects
    • Raise our rankings back to top 10 in Michigan
    • Boost performance in reading, math, and social studies/civics
  • Support Educators:
    • Empower teachers with resources and professional development
    • Reduce administrative burdens on teachers, focusing more on instruction and student engagement.
  • Engage Parents and Community:
    • Increase transparency through livestreamed meetings
    • Establish regular forums for feedback
  • Prepare Students for the Future:
    • Expand STEM-focused programs
    • Partner with trades and businesses for work-study options
  • Foster Innovation:
    • Implement cutting-edge educational technologies
    • Encourage project-based and interdisciplinary learning
  • Promote Inclusivity and Well-being:
    • Help students learn how to listen to each other and speak respectfully
    • Provide a variety of activities promoting student interaction without technology
  • Ensure Fiscal Responsibility:
    • Optimize resource allocation
    • Explore grants and community partnerships

By focusing on these areas, we can create an educational environment that nurtures talent, fosters innovation, and prepares students for success in higher education, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and success. Together, we can make FHPS a district where every student finds their path to success. “CRIBBS for KIDS!” “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

November 2024 Election: FHPS Board of Education Candidates - Forest Hills Public Schools % (2024)
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