2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Don Wilkerson

Read more about Don Wilkerson at: https://www.facebook.com/votedonwilkerson.

Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

Staff morale is extremely important and has a direct impact on our students.  I’ve seen the impact it can have on our students, while experiencing the reinvigoration of Northside as A2 STEAM.  Based on the way teachers have been treated, one can understand why morale has been an issue.  We need to ensure that our staff doesn’t experience morale issues going forward, and I think the first step to doing so is improving communication.  Moving forward, neither the board, nor administration can make promises they can’t ensure they can keep, nor can they continue to make forced decisions that don’t even allow for input beforehand.  Our teachers are our biggest asset, they need to be valued, treated with dignity and respect, and need to have a chance to express their opinion and provide valuable input prior to a decision being made.  

We need to uphold that every group that our district impacts, is respected, valued, and treated as such.  Whether you’re a custodian, bus driver, teacher, parent, administrator, student, or hold some other role in our community, you need to be treated in a manner that exemplifies the values of Ann Arbor.  Finally, I think a community wide climate survey, and an annual employee survey should be performed, to hold the district accountable, and provide a measurement and target for future improvement.

What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

I believe standardized testing doesn’t always add value, or provide an accurate assessment of student achievement.  For that reason, I believe we need to continue to evaluate our use of standardized testing and the value it provides to our community.  As it currently stands, we are using the MEAP and NWEA tests in our schools.  While the MEAP is state mandated, we’ve opted to add the NWEA tests as an additional measure.  I’m not against having one additional tool to measure our student growth and achievement, as state required tests do not necessarily provide valuable, timely, information to our teachers, parents, and students.  However, the NWEA testing doesn’t seem to be the answer our community needs.  We need a teacher identified assessment tool that can interact directly with instruction and improve the trajectory of our students.  We also need a test that can be administered efficiently, and one that has a proven track record of effectiveness without the issues that we’ve experienced in delivering the testing to our children.

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

The other two most important priorities for Ann Arbor public schools are increased innovative programming/options for ALL of our students across the district, and a broader stakeholder approach to leadership. 

We need to ensure that every area of our district has the opportunity to identify programming that is important to them.  At the same time, we need to ensure that everyone in the district has access to better innovative programming.  This all needs to be approached with a long-term focus that doesn’t allow programming to continually switch, rather it builds and improves upon it.  We currently have great programs, such as the STEAM school, Community High School, etc., but we also need to keep in mind that these programs do not fit the needs of each student.  For this reason, we can’t just duplicate our programs across the district as others have proposed, and instead, each community should have input on the programming that is most impactful for their students. 

The stakeholder approach is something that as a community we value, but have missed the opportunity to exemplify in our schools.  We need an approach that digs into the details, and identifies more alternatives when making decisions, yet one that respectfully incorporates the needs/ideas of our whole community.  If elected this is something I will continue to work hard to accomplish, without compromising the educational priority that our students need to hold at all times.

What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

To be honest I still haven’t made a full decision as to how I will vote on annexation.  I’m continuing the discussion with our community, and I’m looking forward to hearing from the Whitmore Lake community next week. Setting taxes aside, I think two things are good about annexation - the benefit and stability we can deliver to “our new students” (if annexation passes), and the growth potential offered in the future.  The value we can add to Whitmore Lake students is very cut and dry, but the growth potential is based upon a set of assumptions that I do not believe we can necessarily count on holding true.  At the end of the day, we as candidates need to spread the factual information and engage community members, so they can make an informed vote.  

If annexation does not pass, I will continue to work on revenue generation within the constraints of our own district to utilize our assets more effectively, and fill our schools to appropriate capacity levels.  If annexation is approved, I think the biggest challenge is ensuring that Whitmore Lake still feels that they have a voice in their children’s education, while the broader community identifies how to make Whitmore Lake fit attractively into the overall strategic vision for AAPS in order to deliver on the potential growth that has been identified.

Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...)

One decision that was truly exceptional was the reinvigoration of Northside as A2 STEAM.  As a member of the Northside community, and a leader of the PTO over the last three years, I personally watched as families continued to leave, resources dwindled, and the impact we could have on our children’s education diminished.  Dr. Swift listened to our community and took action.  What was once a struggling school with 187 students has since grown to an exceptional, innovative choice for education in our district.  Our community has been restored, we have a new sense of energy, our children come home excited to share all they’ve learned in class each day, and our school has doubled in size to 403 students.  We now have the resources and support to make the impact that we were trying so hard to make in the past!

One decision that I wish was made differently is the privatization of our custodial staff.  I fully understand the budget constraints that the district was facing, and will continue to face, but this was a decision that lacked the stakeholder approach to education that we need.  We finally had a third option on the table, beyond just keeping the current operating model and outsourcing – we had identified a Co-Op.  Given the constraints I would have at least liked to see a short-term extension of the custodial contract and more time given for the Co-Op alternative to be fully developed.  My hopes are that custodial staff will look at this as a lost battle in the war, and will continue to develop the idea, so when the opportunity presents itself at a later time, there will be full consideration.

Assuming that you are elected, name one or two other board candidates that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

If I am elected, I would be pleased to serve with Donna Lasinski.  I believe she is truly dedicated herself to our children and community, and would prove to be a valuable asset into the future of education in Ann Arbor.

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2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Susan Baskett

Read more about Susan Baskett at: http://susanforschools.ruck.us/.

Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

Working with the superintendent, the Board should absolutely monitor and respond to staff morale issues.  Board members should encourage engagement with staff, welcome invitations to speak with the staff when and wherever possible.  For example, I have attended the teachers’ elementary and secondary caucus meetings.  The teachers have been very frank about their feelings.  They have provided clear feedback and their desires.
All of our staff members should be treated equally.  The teachers are the best organized in terms of knowing who represents them and how to gain their feedback.  However, I have attended meetings of all of the bargaining units who have invited me.  For those bargaining units who have not invited me, I communicate to their members via informal channels.  I get to know who’s who, where.  I make it known that I am accessible and that I want to learn from those on the front lines.

What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

Parents are their students’ first teachers.  I do not feel that parents or students should be made uncomfortable for taking or NOT taking any tests.  Parental wishes should be respected.

The superintendent’s task force on testing revealed that the administration did not do its best when it rolled out the NWEA testing.  This caused mistrust, confusion and anger.  This year, the administration will make more of an effort to communicate why tests are given and their purpose.

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

1.  Student Achievement and supporting the new initiatives towards addressing this.
2.  Minimizing the district’s participation in the school to prison pipeline.

What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

The proposed plan to annex the WLCS is not in the best interest of the students attending the AAPS.   I voted “no” at the Board table and I will vote “no” at the polling place.  I have actively worked to inform voters and to encourage them to vote “NO”. At this time, the proposed plan to annex the WLCS is not in the best interest of AAPS.  While the plan is proactive on WLCS’s part, it is too premature for the AAPS BoE to have endorsed it.

I have spent a lot of time weighing the pros and cons of this proposal.  I have printed my thoughts for distribution to the voting public.  You can read my notes here.


Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...) [Ed. Note: Susan Baskett is an incumbent.]

Good decision:  Adopt the superintendent’s initiatives to balance and grow our district through enhancements, not cuts.  The launch of these new initiatives like:  expanding world languages, STEAM at Northside, initiating the developing the IB Programme in southeast Ann Arbor, etc., have created a new excitement among everyone inside and outside the district. 

Bad decision(s):  1) Outsourcing the custodial staff and 2) placing the annexation of WLCS on November’s ballot.

I voted against both of these decisions.  I now hear of at least three former custodians seeking legal help to prevent their families from becoming homeless.  I have only heard of one custodian receiving at least their former pay wages and that’s because she landed a key managerial position with the new company.  

Regarding the annexation question, well, it’s simply not clear how the students of AAPS will immediately benefit from this plan that is not well vetted.  For the long term benefits for to be realized for AAPS, the plan is full of hope and not much substance.

Assuming that you are elected, name one or two other board candidates that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

I would be proud to serve with any of the other candidates.  They each bring talents that can quickly serve the current Board.  We have had and in some cases, still do have former teachers, lawyers, business people, consultants, etc. 
The voters of AAPS will have an opportunity to select up to 4 candidates who will serve as their team to lead the direction of the AAPS.  I am asking for a spot on the team.  I believe I have earned it.  I do my prep work.  I come prepared to advocate for the best for our students.  My experience is unmatched by any of the other candidates.
The families of AAPS are lucky to have such a diverse and impressive group of candidates to choose from.

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2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Roland Zullo

Read more about Roland Zullo at: http://zulloforannarborschools.org.

Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

To improve the morale of the teachers I would suggest that the administration meets with the union that represents the teachers (AAEA), has a frank discussion with union leadership for the reasons for the sinking morale, and collaboratively develops policy to address those causes.  One of the advantages of having employees that are represented is that workplace issues that negatively effect personnel can be dealt with effectively.  

I describe this strategy in my web site, http://zulloforannarborschools.org.  Basically, when the economic situation does not allow the parties to progress on compensation, then any management that wants to encourage positive relations will negotiate over non-economic issues of concern to the group.  There are a host of potential issues, such as teacher performance, standardized testing, academic freedom, etc., that can be jointly advanced.  This is is how you sustain morale in times of fiscal stress.

All the employees in a school deserve our respect and appreciation, regardless of role.

What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

There is a growing movement in the U.S. that opposes standardized tests, and especially the use of scores to reward or punish teachers and schools.  It does not surprise me that Ann Arbor parents are joining this movement.

There are many documented problems with standardized tests.  For persons that want a thoughtful review I suggest the ISR publication titled "Promoting High Quality Teacher Evaluations in Michigan", by Rowan, et al. (2013) or the recent work by Diane Ravitch for a more critical perspective.  Testing is not uniformly applied, insufficient at capturing student development, and expensive to administer.  I favor moving away from dependency on standardized tests.  

The fundamental problem is that the best teachers look for unique traits in children (motivations, abilities, etc.), and work to help children discover their voice in the classroom, and later, their role in society.  This is what great teachers do, and I am sure we can all recall a teacher that made us think or act in ways that could never be measured by a standard tests.  Standardized testing channels teacher effort in exactly the opposite direction.

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

(1) Making sure that the fiscal stress imposed on the district does not result in greater disparities for our students.  

(2) Improving relations between the administration and district personnel.

What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

If the vote were held today, I would vote against.  The best reason for voting in favor of annexation is that it would minimize the disruption of the education paths for WL students, should the alternative be dissolution.  However, the business case for annexation is risky.  As I point out in a paper on this issue, the critical factor is the change in enrollment.  Should WL enrollment go up (and not at the expense of AA), then we may gain.  More likely, however, is that WL enrollment will continue to decline, in which case a larger amount of AA resources will be required to rescue WL.  In the present environment, annexation is a risky proposal.

Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...)

I have been very public with my criticism of privatization.  In the case of the custodians, the Board was presented with a viable alternative, but that option was quickly dismissed by the Board majority.  This was an unkind response to a group of dedicated employees seeking Board help.  

I give the Board and administration high marks for introducing foreign language classes in the elementary grades.  Research has shown that young minds are more responsive to language development.  Kudos.

Assuming that you are elected, name one or two other board candidates that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

Other members.  There is a rough split among the candidates (that coincidently aligns with the annexation question) that should be recognizable to voters.  On the one hand, there are candidates that are close to the administration, both personally and philosophically, and often play a role of championing (or finding excuses for) administration decisions.  On the other hand, there are candidates that are not fully satisfied with the direction of the administration, and are seeking change.  I am in this latter group, and would obviously prefer to work with persons occupying that unofficial slate.

That said, this election has sensitized me to the large responsibility of the Board position.  All the candidates share an ambition to do what is best for the District and our children, even though we might differ on our approach.  That commitment to education, and the public good, is a large enough foundation for improving AAPS, regardless of the outcome in November.  

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2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Donna Lasinski

Read more about Donna Lasinski here: http://www.votedonnalasinski.com/.

Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

The interaction between teachers and students is the heart of a strong public education system. We must prioritize the learning needs of students and build on the strengths of our teachers to meet the goal of every student reaching their highest potential. As a board member, I will be very concerned with teacher morale. I will look to ensure our teachers have the professional development, support services and classroom environments that have demonstrated success both nationally and locally.  The current funding situation pits staff against staff in a system dedicated to the success of students.  I would prioritize small classroom sizes and high quality teaching professionals against other priorities.


What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

State mandated standardized testing has demonstrated little to no ability to positively impact instruction at the school and student level. To achieve the state's goal of measuring progress and ranking, a full testing of every student is not required, a sample set would suffice. However, the reality is that funding is directly tied to participation in mandated state testing. As a community, we can advocate together for changes, however, risking the limited, essential funding for our schools with opt-out decisions may be counter productive. The state needs demonstrated, better solutions advocated for by informed, passionate parents.

Parents opting out non-state mandated testing is a personal prerogative. Referencing the NWEA, it has shown the ability to improve instruction at the classroom and individual student level. For example, in one elementary, one of three teachers had her students score lower in fraction understanding across the board. With immediate results from the testing, a team of teachers was able to offer sample lessons, model the instruction of fraction teaching and work as a professional learning community to grow the teaching skills of the teacher. The teacher's students, after the additional support, were able to reach proficiency.

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

I firmly believe that we need to fulfill the mission of AAPS schools of ensuring each student realizes his or her aspirations while advancing the common good, through the creation of a world class system of innovative teaching and learning. And to do this we need adequate funding at the state level. But to your specific question...

First, I would continue the growth of programs and offerings so that each student is inspired by relevant, rigorous curriculum. Relevancy is student dependent, and is necessary to inspire students and close the achievement gap. Offerings will need to include attention to meeting the socio-emotional needs of our students as well as extending our offerings outside of school time.

Second, I will laser focus on spreading the innovations and successes we have already established in pockets of our district to the entire district.  Many of these successes are not wholly dependent on funding but instead require increased professional idea sharing, updating of processes and methods, and cultural shifts.


What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

After careful consideration, I am in favor of the annexation of Whitmore Lake schools. However, the decision will be made before I am elected and I am committed to implementing the will of the community. The initial potential of the annexation is a small but significant net positive increase in funding across the district, after Whitmore Lake Schools have transitioned into the AAPS system. The medium to long range positive potential of the annexation is the opportunity to add an additional small high school opportunity to all AAPS students, with the potential to add other creative programming; the opportunity to grow our student base with anticipated new population growth in Whitmore Lake due to economic investment in home building; and the opportunity to stabilize our funding forecasts allowing time to continue to advocate at the state level for meaningful changes in public school financing.

Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...)

A very positive decision over the last six months are the efforts to add new programming - world languages through out elementary schools, IB programming across K-12, and STEAM@Northside.

Transportation over the last six months has been a struggle for many students and families. As we moved to common stops and increased walking zones, there are elements of the policy that directly hinder students arriving to school in a timely fashion, ready to learn. I would advocate for full busses. To me, this means that if you are at the 1 and 1/4 mile marker and there are empty bus seats at the 1 1/2 mile common bus stop, you should be allowed to walk to the common stop instead of walking directly to school. I have asked for attendance data from our schools and common stops to understand how our current policies are impacting student attendance in total, as well as on harsh weather days.

Assuming that you are elected, name one or two other board candidates that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

Christine Stead's board experience and leadership, attention to student achievement, and state level advocacy are a model to me.  Jack Panitch's ability to dive into the details and his depth of understanding of complex government financing and regulation are necessary at this juncture in school financing.  I would be proud and honored to serve alongside these two candidates.

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2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Jack Panitch

Read more about Jack Panitch at: http://www.jackpanitchforaapsboe.com/

Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

Morale issues are real and critically important.  Our teachers have shown patience time-after-time while District Administration works toward a better future for all.  The promise of a better future and flexibility on non-economic bargaining terms diminishes good will.  This particular effect of legislatively induced funding anemia is crucial to address now during talks about annexation.  Bringing Whitmore Lake teachers up to the Ann Arbor pay scale is important: entering this new relationship with an "us" and "them" mentality would create new morale issues over time.  Still, this part of the proposal is controversial, as, once again, we have to ask our AAPS teachers, to be patient and assess the issue on its merits, so that we can work toward that "better future" that never seems to come.  Go or no-go, neither alternative provides a present benefit, so the choice augments the political crisis, but the outcome won’t change a thing about AAPS teachers’ take-home pay or benefits.

So, we have to frame the need for continued present sacrifice to explain it in clearer terms.  The alternative is the compromised future of a generation of AAPS school kids and their teachers, as the K-12 population begins to reduce and we have to cut to the bone again to address it.  If we change our District’s footprint and place it closer to the edge of northern population centers, this does not have to be our future.  We may not like Schools-of-Choice, but we know that if we do not take advantage of it, we shrink.  The appropriate perspective is a future of cutting important programs and the attendant community strife, versus a picture of self-reliance and sustainability.  The best way to show support for our teachers is a renewed, broad-based coalition for K-12 funding advocacy in Lansing, coupled with maximized use of the dollars we have.  That approach would better recognize Ann Arbor teachers’ selfless contributions and sacrifices.

Educator effectiveness law treats teachers differently than other staff people in the District.  We need to advocate for our teachers as best we can to reduce the importance of standardized tests in this equation, or no educator will want to teach the kids who need the most support.

What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

I support the proposition that, subject to the requirements of state or federal law, parents should be able to decide unilaterally whether their children are subjected to standardized testing.  There should be an informed choice requirement, though.

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

Achievement and ensuring that all students receive a quality education.  For example, supports need to be established to ensure that at-risk students are represented among IB diploma recipients. Ensuring that new curriculum for new initiatives is effective, high quality and aligned with this community’s decision of how to achieve a quality education for each of its students on her or his chosen educational pathway is also crucial.

What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

I favor annexation.  Yes, our taxes would go up slightly (and it is appropriate to provide full disclosure that while taxes will only increase .25 mills, they were scheduled to decrease .19 mills, so the total difference is .44 mills) but we get in return: 

1) an enhanced footprint that provides us the opportunity to out-compete others in the Schools-of-Choice market and protect against future shrinkage and program cuts, despite the region’s overall forecast reduction in the K-12 population rate; 

2) students and buildings as part of a going educational concern; 

3) avoidance of a community economic and social disaster right on our border; and 

4) net additional cash of approximately $1.7 million, due to the rules for computing the post-annexation foundation allowance.  

If we stand by and allow Whitmore Lake to go through dissolution, we might get a few hundred students but at a foundation allowance that is lower than the per pupil amount we would receive through annexation (this is due to the lack of the hold harmless millage in WLPS), and we might get a building, based on proximity.  We need the entire WLPS district at a Foundation Allowance virtually equal to our current foundation allowance ($9,095, instead of $9,100), we need the enhanced footprint to compete for Schools-of-Choice students from northern population centers, and the longer we wait, the less direct and immediate control we will have, the less likely we will be able to accomplish a favorable result and the less attractive the task of accomplishing it will be.  Right now, we have complete local control over the outcome.  That won’t be the case if WLPS is dissolved.  The biggest challenge will be the process of incorporating two schools and two school communities into the Ann Arbor Public Schools system and ensuring a smooth transition.  This is a low impact event from our standpoint, but a complete change for these two learning communities (the two WLPS operating schools).

For much more analysis, please visit www.jackpanitchforaapsboe.com and click on “On the issues.”

Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...)

The Board’s decision to increase its advocacy efforts in Lansing in the past six months is key for several reasons:

1)     It shows leadership in an advocacy role, and although we have to demonstrate solidly to our entire community and region that the Ann Arbor Public School District can live within its means, we have to advocate for a better funding mechanism and for reversal of the statewide disinvestment in K-12 education, the most important pillar of our democracy.  Our parents made and kept a promise to us, and now we are breaking that promise to our kids.  I am not about broken promises, and I’m inspired to see that the AAPS BOE, particularly incumbent Christine Stead and outgoing member Glenn Nelson, will fight as effectively as any advocate can for our kids.  I will also give a shout-out here to an unsung hero of mine, Steve Norton, Executive Director of Michigan Parents for Schools, who spends countless hours on advocacy for our children in Lansing, and I would like to ensure continued coordination and partnership of our community with his efforts.

2)     It shows support for State Board of Education President John Austin’s efforts to increase the Board’s role of leadership on educational issues under our Michigan Constitution.  The State Board is in the middle of a struggle with the Michigan legislature over framing the statewide discussion of a quality education and a stable means to fund it, and our entire community should be vigilant to jump in and support the Board in bringing an expert, non-partisan voice to the conversation.  Term-limited legislators will never develop the expertise necessary to guide this discussion to a meaningful conclusion without the leadership of the State Board and its extended network and partnerships with educational experts around the State, e.g. Professor Arsen and Dean Ball.

3)     Legislators need to bear in mind that the Ann Arbor Public School District and the excellence in educational programming it offers is critical to attracting talent to the region and ensuring that Ann Arbor continues its leadership in driving Michigan’s future prosperity.

I respectfully disagree with the Board’s decision on the $14,861 tuition rate for out-of-WISD or out-of-SOC-window students.  I also respectfully disagree with Trustees Baskett and Thomas that the rate should have been set even higher.  I would not charge a dollar over our actual cost of educating a student $11,889.  If there is a potential market for students of commuter parents out there, I believe we should be setting our tuition rates low to foster this market.

Assuming that you are elected, name one or two other board candidates that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

I will honor the voters’ choice and work effectively and constructively with all of my colleagues, should the electorate accord me the privilege of serving this community.  In fact, whether or not the voters elect me, I will have the privilege of working constructively with all District officials.  I may be unique in this regard: if I lose, I win, because I would get to continue chairing the PTO Council.

But since you are directing us to select and explain the choice, and since I display my choices in my yard for the whole world to see, I’ll name two people: Christine Stead and Donna Lasinski.  We have each demonstrated a strong commitment to the Ann Arbor Public Schools, as well as a commitment to advocacy, a commitment to self-reliance and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.  Moreover, we know through four years of experience working together that we can rely on one-another to act under pressure as supportive and ego-free team members to do only that which is in the best interests of the students of the Ann Arbor Public Schools.  We each have unique skills and experience, and that enhances our discussion.  We have a track record of effective leadership together as concerned parents, and we will leverage that leadership on behalf of our public schools community.

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2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Christine Stead

Read more about Christine Stead at: reelectchristinestead.com.

Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

Changes that were made this year included addressing leadership at the building level, infusing our schools with new programs and reducing class size by hiring 43 new teachers - thanks to the direction of the current BOE and Dr. Swift's work in implementing these changes. In several buildings, these changes have improved staff morale significantly in just one year. Professional development is another area that has been evolving and the current PD allows better collaboration and acknowledgement of the expertise of our current teachers. This kind of PD should continue and expand. Teachers are incredibly important in delivering education - our primary purpose. Most of our operating funds are committed to teachers, which is what makes the magnitude of budget reductions over the past 4 years so difficult - it impacts our teachers the most. Teachers should be treated as professionals. Teachers should be respected, encouraged to continue to grow and we should find ways to reward those teachers in the AAPS that are truly going above and beyond on behalf of our students. All employees of the AAPS should be treated with respect and have means to voice concerns, work through issues and generally improve their working conditions to the extent possible. We should be committed to constantly improving the AAPS environment on all fronts - as a team.

What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

Our MEAP testing, mandated by the state and required by the US to receive federal grant funds, is not serving our students well. It is issued once/year and the results take ~6 months to process, meaning they cannot be used to develop differentiated instruction for the students during that academic year. Further, they generally do not test the current teacher's effectiveness when issued in the Fall and, even with this year's new timing, having them only once does not provide an opportunity to show progress on the same test. With each state having their own test, our student's relative performance is not comparable to other states - meaning we need to issue yet another test to understand how our students are doing relative to other states. If we moved toward one test that was a national standard, that would help school districts satisfy federal requirements, state requirements, and provide relevant comparisons across states.

You will notice that providing personalized learning is a strategic objective of the AAPS (strategic objective #2). Having a means to assess a child's understanding of a topic, and how that might change throughout the year, is an important enabler of achieving personalized learning - allowing teachers to construct differentiated instruction in their classrooms. A few years ago, AAPS started the NWEA test across our elementary schools; as do many of the districts in our county. Several buildings used this tool in an incredibly well to develop differentiated instruction, by subject area, in their classrooms and presented great progress in student performance as a result.

I believe that testing can be a tool which is important in achieving our mission: to ensure that each student realizes his or her aspirations while advancing the common good, by creating a world-class system of teaching and learning.

I have come to understand that our approach to achieving personalized learning plans requires tools to develop those plans and continue to monitor growth over the year. I also think that we need tools to help children that are struggling improve on an area so that they can achieve mastery, as so many subjects increase in complexity over their 13 years with us. A poor foundational understanding of a concept can create performance challenges that only increase. If we can address them as they come up, our children will build confidence and knowledge.

Families make choices on behalf of their children all of the time. I do hope that families take some time to understand the consequences of those choices so that they can stand by them with the full confidence that they are making the best choice for their child - as we would want our parents to do in all things related to their child.

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

I appreciate that the budget is an important topic. What I don't want folks to lose site of is how important adequate funding is, since it drives the resources we have to apply to achieving our education mission. While you will see a #1 and #2 in response to this question, my top priority is to continue to work hard on providing adequate resources so that we can continue our work in providing a high quality education that serves all students. Every family in Ann Arbor should have every confidence that their child will leave the AAPS adequately prepared to be successful in their next phase in life.

1) High quality programs that provide a relevant foundation for lifelong learning for all of our children. High quality means doing an amazing job for all students: bringing in more supports in a timely way for those that need it; creating access and opportunity so that children are not limited in their curiosity and capability, but continue to grow.

2) Sustainability and collaboration: as a community, I believe that we can partner together to ensure the viability and success of the AAPS over the long term. There is truly something in it for everyone when we have an educated youth: quality of life, community living, economic future, and robust opportunities for a wide variety of interests. Partnering more purposefully for long term success will be part of the way we ensure sustainability for the AAPS.

What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

If I had to vote today, I would vote yes. Here's why:

• The annexation aligns with our growth strategy, which has been important in creating opportunities this year to invest in children in our district. Growing gives us much better choices when we have to address our budget challenges each year, which always include a gap in expected revenue from the state relative to our projected expenses (some of which are from the state and are increasing at >10x faster than revenues, like MPSERS - this means cuts every year if you're not growing).
• I do believe that the increases in funding will be closer to $2.7M in annual recurring revenue when the state passes an increase in our foundation allowance as it relates to this annexation. While a significant portion of this will go toward salaries, there will be a portion each and every year that we can apply toward improvements in programming, sustainability and reduced class sizes across the district.
• There are economies of scale in the annexation that make good sense from a taxpayer's perspective.
• There will be access to new buildings, allowing further growth, that we would acquire through annexation in an economically efficient manner.
• Timing is essential: I do not believe that we have years before WLPS is having to entertain dissolution. They agree - or they would not have approached us for this opportunity when they did. While I would love to wait this out and construct something over years, I do believe that the opportunity we have today will change - and perhaps not for the better.
• Should dissolution occur, we will likely have to accommodate some, or all, of the WLPS students. This will not come with the $1.4M grant or the $2.7M in recurring revenue. If it is like Inkster or Buena Vista, we would have to apply for any additional funds to help with the additional costs, and I am not confident that this would cover these costs.
• I believe that we can create attractive programs in Whitmore Lake that can attract residents back in to those schools, as well as offering increased opportunity for students throughout the larger district. This is good for everyone in our community.
• I also believe that we can work to bring up test scores and academic performance - something also good for our entire community.

Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...) [Ed. Note: Christine Stead is an incumbent.]

I think our new programs are exciting and needed! All of the work we did all year long to get these programs identified and implemented will benefit AAPS for many years to come.

I still believe that we need to maintain enough fund equity to be able to absorb cuts from Lansing and make payroll. Our fund equity balance was 2.4% of our operating budget as we ended the year last year - the lowest ever. As a Board, we passed a change in policy to give ourselves a range for fund equity of 5% - 15% (vs. our past policy of 15%). I voted against this and think it sends the wrong message. I think we have learned a lot these past 4 years of just how damaging state-run funding can be. We have limited means to address that with current laws, which is why I have been fighting so hard to change them. I would like to see our district be strong - something that our community can shape and something that invests in children so that all can succeed. We need to do more here to ensure a viable, sustainable future.

Assuming that you are elected, name one or two other board candidates that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

Donna Lasinski has been very involved in the AAPS; more importantly, I think she understands the governance role and would be able to serve well as a trustee. A trustee's role is about governance and service leadership - which also means listening, representing our community and making leadership decisions when needed. Donna has demonstrated that kind of service leadership in her past involvement with the AAPS, through the PTOC and other means. This is the kind of skill set that can be successful in the role of a trustee. In addition to service leadership, I think Donna will do what she needs to do in order to understand the laws and policies that we operate within and be available to people to help them better understand these things as well.

Jack Panitch is a thoughtful advocate for public education as well. Jack will carefully consider information and not be reactionary. In his current role as PTOC President, he is demonstrating an engaged and thoughtful leadership on behalf of all of our schools. His understanding of education law and policy will also be helpful. Jack also understands the service leadership role and has a broader inspiration for serving than any single issue.

Donna and Jack are both current parents in the AAPS. As a parent of two students myself, I think this resonates with our community, as we have to personally live with the policies and votes we cast.

If re-elected, I would be very pleased to serve with Donna and Jack and believe they would be excellent trustees.

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2014 AAPS Board Candidate: Patricia Manley

Read more about Patricia Manley at: www.manleyforschoolboard.com.


Staff morale has been an issue in the school district. How do you think the board should monitor and respond to staff morale issues, if at all? Given that the majority of district staff are teachers, should teachers be treated differently (better OR worse) than other staff people in the district?

I believe staff morale is an issue because staff do not believe they have a venue to be heard.  It is important that staff be allowed an opportunity to bring their issues to the Board.  Every AAPS staff member should be treated fairly, equitably and with respect.  No staff member is better or worse than another one, “all” are necessary for the continued success of our students and the district.

What is your position on the amount of standardized testing currently conducted by AAPS (Too much, just right, too little)? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are not state-mandated? What is your attitude toward parents opting out their students from standardized tests that are state-mandated?

I believe administering more than one standardized test a year is too much and non-productive. Standardized test results are used to determine the school’s status within the district, state or nation; however, it does not necessarily give an accurate picture of the child, school or district because it does not always take into account class size, diversity or special needs. Parents have the right to opt their child out of testing, whether state-mandated or not.  However, taking a standardized test can be a great way to practice test-taking skills that will be needed when the child takes the ACT, SAT or other college entrance exams. 

Aside from the budget, what are your two top priorities for the Ann Arbor schools?

My top priorities are:  

1) Ensure all students and their families have access to a full and well-rounded PreK-12 experience;

2) Improve relationships and transparency between the School Board, AAPS staff and the broader community.

What is your opinion regarding the annexation by AAPS of the Whitmore Lake school system? If you had to vote today, how would you vote? What's good about the annexation and what challenges do you anticipate if the annexation is approved?

I attended two of the public forums, read as much as I could, talked with parents, staff and administrators and yet I am not convinced there is much of an advantage for AAPS except additional dollars.  There are still many questions that are unsettling to taxpayers and staff.  If I had to vote today, I would vote no. Voters in Ann Arbor and Whitmore Lake will vote on this issue the same day new Board members are selected.  If elected, I will work to implement their decision.

Hindsight is perfect, but whether you are an incumbent, or not: Name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you think was a very good decision; and name one decision that the school board made in the last six months that you wish had been decided differently. (Incumbents may wish to say how they voted on that issue. It's ok if you changed your mind after the fact...)

I believe the three new programs have been a good decision.  Northside K-8 Steam, Pathways to Success and International Baccalaureate have brought new enthusiasm and options for in-district families and those outside taking advantage of the Schools of Choice.  

The outsourcings of the custodians’ could/should have been handled differently.  I believe they should have been given time and opportunity to present their proposal that could have made a major difference in the final outcome.

Assuming that you are elected, name one other board candidate that you would like to see serve beside you, and explain why.

If elected, I will work collaboratively with the remaining Board members and the newly elected members to continue to promote high achievement for all the students we serve and maintain the highly-qualified staff we have that make this an “Exceptional” school district.

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