Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Spurt Moldau. Brandon Wombe. Present. Susan Briggs. Present. In Wakefield. Present. And Mika Grant. Present. Sherry Lindley Moncotte. Present. Thank you. Miss Burke, can you give up on your copy of the agenda that we called
over at five hundred three PM? Yes. Doctor Stutt, we're ready to begin our interview. Can you take a a c on our agenda as adoption of the agenda? I move that they accept the agenda for this evening. Second. I have a motion to add a second. Any comment or discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The agenda has been approved. Thank you, doctor Suggs. Thank you. Or we have no one present for public comment this evening. Doctor Suggs, I hope we're ready to begin the interviews. Absolutely. Maybe, mister Gordon. My name is Brandon Volkner.
I'm the service board president, and we'll start the question team. Okay? Please tell us about yourself and what led you to apply for the position of board member for the Metropolitan School District, Wayne Township. I am not a Westsider or a township guy. I came around the Westside thirteen years ago or so, when I started dating my wife, Michelle, who my wife, Michelle, who worked at school district. The time she did it. So I just got to know people in the community.
In. And after about a year of doing that, she became the building seller of the club, which was my first opportunity to build through her to be able to volunteer inside the school system and inside the department itself. Since then, she has moved from main building subject to secretary and now from the secretary to the university secretary of the department. And in those years, we've had opportunity not only at the problem but at other schools to volunteer to meet students, to meet teachers, administrators.
He's going to come out and for election to this board. The one thing that I have taken away from all of my opportunities and the people that I've met with and dealt with is the passion that teachers and the administrators and the staff have for their students. The students themselves, when I've dealt with them, you know, the volunteer role seem to be very, energized in what they're trying to do and what they're trying to learn.
And And I just wanna be a part of helping to facilitate for those teachers, the opportunity to create a better future for children. I'll stand. Thank you. I think this is in grade. I'm right. Share with us what you know about the MSD of Wayne Township. Not sure what you're looking for there. It is a very diverse township. I think somewhere in the range of 35% African American, 30 some percent Hispanic, and
some Caucasian. It is a a poor district. I think I saw a number somewhere somewhere between 6570% of the students would qualify for free free and reduced lunch. It is a broad district as far as a lot of schools, a lot of elementary schools, a couple of middle schools, couple of different high schools. It it was a place where I know my wife comes up every night and talks about loving the people she works with.
My wife has talked we've had many discussions. When money gets tired of, you know, should she find a job where she makes more money? She comes home, though, and is happy. There's no amount of money that can make out of it. All my years of working, there's no amount of money that could make that through the smile I see on her face when she leaves her job and when she talks about, missus Nicholson and missus Dodson and the team that she works with their phone. I'm not sure if that's the answer for it from missus Graves, but, that's what
I know of what the township of the MSD appointment that data is saying, the people that are associated with. Good evening. I'm Rameka Graham. Thank you for being here this evening. My question is, as a school board member, how do you ensure that all students, regardless of their background, learning needs, or life experiences, feel valued, supported, and able to succeed in our schools? I'm gonna I'm gonna speak to that from my experience through the grad program. I have a daughter who graduated from Hawaii through the program.
Seeing the care that she got from teachers through the years was amazing. When I met Michelle, Kaylee is Michelle's daughter. She's my stepdaughter. When I met Michelle, Kaylee was a very young teenager. And watching her grow up in this school system And watching her grow and the things that she did, she came home. I'll never forget this day. She and she eats with because of her disability, she wants to be able to
pick it up, it very firm and put it in her mouth. She doesn't wanna have to use a fork or anything like that. She came home having used a fork to eat a piece of chocolate pie in class one day, which was just so she had never done it. And it made us know that the right things were happening inside the school where we couldn't be there with. And I think knowing that this school system does the right things with did the
right things with Abel, I think allows me to know that being involved with this was being involved on this work is going to allow me to help put the practices in a place to where students who have disabilities who are English as a second language learner, maybe Horizons, students that they we can put the processes in place
to allow them to excel to the best of their ability no matter what that is. Some are gonna struggle. Some are going to lie out the door and be better than anything we could ever imagine. But I know that being on this school board is gonna allow us to make the right decisions to live there in the vicinity. Thank you. Question. Yep. Thank you. Mister Gordon, I'm Mario Day Marquette, and happy for you to be here tonight. I have a two part question for you, and I'll ask them both now. But if you need to repeat the second part, I can get to that.
Yes, ma'am. So what do you think is the best way to address differences of of opinion between on the board or between board members? And the second part is, could you support a board decision that you did not vote in favor of? Sure. Pretty far, obviously. I think through discussion civil discussion. It's something in a country that we struggle to do sometimes. We have civil discussions and civil disagreements. We're not always gonna all agree on the same thing. We all have different backgrounds. We all have different perspectives on what is best for everybody involved.
But I keep having those discussions or what, is what the process is is like. It's like my wife and I, we don't always agree on how we're gonna discipline our children. But being able to have that discussion between the two of us and sit down and look at the pros and the cons and how it affects every member of the family, That's something we need to do, I think, as a board. That's something that, I have sat in a lot of work meetings, here and listened
to a lot of things. So I know, knowing some of you as I do, that you all agree on every item that came across that desk, and that will then address your second one. That's part of the democratic process. That's part of why you have seven numbers on a board instead of six that that allows that so majority sometimes to have that thing, to have that rule. It's just part of the country we live in. It's like, not you're not always gonna agree with every decision that comes down, but
you have to be able to put that aside. But you feel it's a sign. It's also a sign to do what the group as a whole determine what's best for that situation that for the school work or the school system that teaches the students and the unit. Good evening, mister Gordon. I believe you know, mister Heather, and you're supposed to know that you're here today. Can you describe how you approach collaborating with a group of individuals that hold different perspectives and how you would apply that approach working with fellow members on the school
board. Yeah. I think it goes to the biggest part of that is understanding, getting an understanding of the different viewpoints. No matter what your perspective is and what your viewpoint is, there's always a different side. And I think part of part of having that discussion is knowing is it listening with your ears and your will to what the other side is saying. What are your questions for me? I wanna make sure I'm not getting on track. Yeah. How you approach collaborating with a group of individuals who might hold a different perspective
and how that applies to your approach that will work with other workers? I mean, it starts with listening and making sure that, first of all, you understand what is obvious and what is the question in play. And I think having that open mind to be able to listen, having the perspective of I'm not always right, is key and important. I've learned it a lot of years of marriage that I'm not always right. Sometimes it's best to listen to the other side and understand that there are definitely
opportunities for improvement and for learning. I learn something every day, or at least I hope I do it, that makes me a better person. And I don't think that's any could be any different than sitting collaboratively with the six of you, or whoever might be sitting on the board of anything, through a discussion. Mister Gordon, time commitment is necessary in the role of being a board member. Therefore, what do you believe is involved or should be included within the time commitment? I'm sure I understand the question.
What do you see as appropriate functions or participations, of a school board member regarding the time you commit to enroll? That is hard to say, I guess, because I don't know what time commitment you guys have, I guess, to the role. I don't know how much you guys spend on a weekly basis. I'm assuming each one of you spend a different amount of time, in the role. I think let me say that as someone who when I make a commitment, I
make a commitment. Whatever that role looks like, whatever that commitment looks like I need to make is what I'm willing to do. My wife might have sat down prior to filling out the application and starting this process. We understood that, there would be a time commitment. There would be something that may be times on weekends I need to focus on doing that. There may be times, you know, obviously, Monday nights or a couple nights alone will be busy. There may be other nights of week where I need to go to the paperwork, and I need to do this to do that. And that's part of being enrolled and taking that, ownership of doing what it is
I'm asked to do. You know, my wife can be talked about, you know, knowing that mister Nash's role, his position was gonna end at the end of next year, would immediately basically be if I get this position, I would almost immediately have to jump into a campaign. Am I willing to do that? I thought I said, if I'm starting this process, there's no need no reason why I wouldn't will need to do that. I think it's just a matter of let me say this. I think having talked to you each of you or most of you, and you
all seem very happy in your roles, I don't think any of you are putting in so much time that it is negatively affecting your life away from you, if I can say that. I know miss Brody, you have a full time job. I know miss Wakefield will be here too. Missus Graham, I know you do. You have a very busy full time job. So I, you know, I I don't believe that that time commitment is gonna be so great to have. But I will say in the month of December, most of you know my schedule gets a little busier, but nothing that I have in mind can not take care
of it. Thank you. You're welcome. How are you doing, mister Gordon? Good. Thank you. My question is, how would you describe your understanding of school budgeting and financial decision making? And what factors will guide you your thinking when considering whether a referendum is necessary to support the district needs? I'll be honest. The finance side is probably not the weakest side. It's not a strength. Something that I've, done a lot of in my history. I have looked into the finance side a little bit.
I've had a couple of opportunities actually to speak with mister Nance about it, and I'm, walking. I know that making the decisions going into the last referendum, I sat and I had a couple of conversations with the team. For whatever reason, he seemed to be the guy who I always was drawn to when it comes to managers, I think I didn't understand. But knowing sorry. I'm getting distracted. I'm just getting thrown all kind of trying to figure out how to focus back
on your answer, to give you the right answer. I think seeing all the let me just put that pull out. Sitting and looking at data. Listening to those who are who are experts in that area, because we're not all gonna be experts in every area that we need to deal with. So I think listening mostly to those who are experts in that subject matter, Going on virus, looking at numbers. I have a spreadsheet guy. So I'm very good at looking at spreadsheets and figuring out, you know, the bottom
line of things. And I think just, again, collaborative that they were getting better to figure out when it's the best thing for the school, without a referendum. What does it do? What does it mean? How do we make things meet? We, you know, I have a recommendation here, I believe, in '27. The decision that we could be made. I just think it's a matter of making sure that we made the best fiscal decision for the community. It's unlikely. This will work to make those decisions. Last question, mister Gordon.
Please share why you were the best candidate for the position of MSD one township I hope I am the best person for this board position because I'm passionate about, first of all, this community. I have a feeling one of the reasons I'm sitting in this chair today is because some of you know my love and passion for this community is what the volunteer work that I've done in it. I think that my time having talked to each of you, many of you anyway,
has allowed me to gain an understanding of what you guys are looking at looking for. I've spent a lot of time actually, I will leave this meeting to the phone and throw on a Samsung to be their Santa for the night. Some of them actually told me I should work for me for this interview. Right? So I didn't think that was quite the appropriate way to go. It would like just some socks. But I think that my love for playing, my love for the people that are
involved, missus Nicholas, mister Dodson, I don't know a lot of it. There's there's another solution, but I'm fortunate enough to know a lot inside that school. And I love their passion. I love knowing that I could be in a position to help them help students. And to me, that's what it all boils down to this. None of this matters if we're not helping our students get to the finish line till they need to get to whether that be career, college, military, whatever that looks
like. We need to make sure our our board needs to make sure it's in a position to do what it needs to do to help them get that. And I believe that because the goal and the but the board needs to. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Doctor Suds? Do you know if doctor Harvey is still here? Yes. Is there a chance I could get another because my computer teaches different issues today. Good. You okay. Absolutely. Take care of it. So here, we're assigning the access to the Google first, the way learning.
Oh, I got I gotta sign the back first. Back here. I got it all figured out. I I just wanted to get some extra steps, doctor Suggs. Sorry. K. That's good. It's still loading up, but I think we got it going. Okay. You think I have this unit looked at? Yeah. And just keep I'm not sure. It it just I think we've all had lip sheet issues with the new one, and they kind of all went away. But it keeps taking me down. Had some other it just kicked me up too.
It's like that up, actually. It had to kick me up. It just restarted. Mhmm. And I just completely restarted. Okay. We're back. I know. You can send that out. Post post. I'll wait at somebody. I can write down notes and do it later. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So everybody's down. Yeah. Take that off. Take this one. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Between these two and if I just get a pen or paper, then I'll be good. Oh, look at that. That's right. Two people. Alright. I'm not writing down. Thank you.
I got thank you, guys. Sorry. Good. Mister Griffin. This is Brandon Coleman. I'm a live service board president, and I'll start interview this evening. We saw this about yourself and what I'd like you to apply for the position of board member with Metropolitan School District White Township. Yes. I'm Joe. I am an alum of White Township, actually. I originally commissioned, but I spent the last fifteen years in Indianapolis where I went to North Plains. Later in Chapel Hill, Macquarie Center and then graduated from Mid Davis, but I was
in. I'm URC in public affairs and nonconfidential. Currently, I am, a resident of Township, and I'm also an employee of Indiana University where I work with the alumni relations and development. And I also did my master's degree in public affairs, but I specialize in innovation and social changes. So, within that space, you know, we talk about systems. We talk about improving public, you know, organizations and how we continue to increase the effectiveness of different systems.
And I think with, my experience, from my undergraduate, involvement as well as my commitment to learning outcomes throughout my career as a student as well as an adult, I have, yearned to continue to support this district and to continue to, this year, actually, I have a community member of the Wayne Township Education Foundation for an organization that I am deeply passionate about that I supported as a student through community leaders as well as an intern in college and stay connected.
Actually, through COVID, was able to present some grants based on teachers in the classrooms, which was, another highlight of, my involvement. Thank Good evening, mister Griffin. My name is Susan Graves, and I'm the vice president of the board. So my question for you is share with us what you know about the domestic Wayne Township. Yes. That's a question. So I know that Wayne Township is one of the most diverse school districts, within the state of Indiana. And with, with that Wayne Township, has, many schools.
And, you know, when we think about elementary, there's, 11. We have the, you know, the high schools. We have, the two centers for the middle school, and then we have two different programs. And And within that, we have, about 73% of our students who receive free and reduced lunch. We have students who, are also that same rate is, economically disadvantaged. And so we're continuing to find ways to be innovative and improving outcomes for those students as well as the staff and, administrators within our district.
I think Wayne Township, is, you know, leading in a few of these efforts to continue to support our schools and our students, with the recent legislative changes at the state and federal levels. You know, being around more than six years, when you talk to, in the pillar of the West Side Of Indianapolis. They continue to, to shine whether that's through academics, athletics, and that's some of the the fun things I like to think about like township. They're currently on the the fifth superintendent in the district's, entirely.
And so pretty soon they'll be with the sixth. Superintendent will start their, their turn. You know, 38% of the students are black. About 34 are Hispanic, and about 21 are white. Those are the leading numbers when it comes to the district values, things that, they value growth, equity, integrity, trust, and, and high expectations. I think that's something that, aligns closely with me. That's something that, I resonate deeply and and and inspired by.
I continue to to work towards, my lifestyle. I appreciate the district commitment to that as well. Good evening. I'm Amica Graham, member. As a school board member, how would you ensure that all students, regardless of their background, learning needs, or life experiences, feel valued, supported, and able to succeed in our schools? Yes. I appreciate that question because, it's a question that's asked in so many different capacities when I think interview spaces especially.
And I think the answer is always to meet them where they are. I think it's important that we understand, where the students are. I think, as community members, we understand where, our our schools are going, where our teachers are, the support that they need. And I think that's the best way we make sure we're supporting these students. I think with, the diverse array of students that are represented in Wayne Township, it's essentially that people that are educating them and also, the school board that is, you know, tending to them is also representative of what, makes up the the task.
With, you know, the, challenges that we're facing and, the challenges we may face tomorrow. I think it's important to, continue to to to seek out what it is that the students need and the type of support. I think Wayne does a great job with the, opportunities that are offered already, and I think he'll continue to enhance the move and continue to, remain focused on how do we get the students to mental and how do we improve their overall outcomes and not just, by the time we leave high school. Thank you.
Alright. Thanks for being here tonight. I'm sure you're making Mark out. I have a double question for you, so I'll I'll ask the whole question and come back and ask the second part if you need me to. But what is the best way to address differences of opinion within the board or between board members and administration? And as a follow-up, could you support a board decision that you did not vote in favor And I'll answer the second part first. Perfect. I think, the answer to the question was not supporting board decision that I didn't
vote in favor of. I think as a board, there's gonna be there's gonna be times where everyone doesn't agree on on whatever it is, and that's based on our experiences. It's based on, the impact that we believe that decision will create. And I think it's important to understand that our opinions will be different in that we are on, but I think as a united front and as a board of support to support, differences of family. I think that, you know, I'll advocate the best I can for what it is
that I think, is the correct opinion, but also know that I don't know. I know that, other people have experiences and, you know, that that might proceed mine. I know that it's important to consult, folks who are in in these spaces to understand what it is that is leading to these issues. And so, I do think that I will be able to, while I might not create a big support, decision that I'm comfortable to understand how people works. And the first part of your question You sort of answered that, but the best
way to address the differences of opinion between the board, possibly with the board and administration. Yes. I think it's important, to in that approach, I think, we think about a facilitated leadership solution and understanding that, you know, I may need to remove my own biases from this conversation and understand, what that might look like and what, possibilities might come from that experience. And I think through dialogue and deliberation is the best way to kinda figure that out. I think, having relationships with the folks on the board and not just a transactional experience is important to understand, their depth and, different options to complete the space that
they are. Good evening, mister Griffin. My name is Ben Wakefield. I'm a board member, and I would like to ask if you could describe for us how you would approach collaborating with a group of individuals who may hold different perspectives and how you apply that approach to working with fellow board members here. You can ask that one more time. Absolutely. Describe how you approach collaborating with a group of individuals who may hold different perspectives. So this is more about the approach you go about.
Yes. Absolutely. I think, similar to, you know, the remarks I gave to, to Sherry, I think it's important that we are open minded. And I think it's important that, while my opinions may be one thing or, you know, I think it's important to understand that people are to be heard. I think it's important that I, open up the opportunity to give space. I think, collaboration isn't just, a a one way street. I think I have to be open to those, different perspectives and, keeping true to
my values and what's important, in my role as a, local school board member and understanding that it is of the best interest of the, district to, evaluate these different types of dialogue. Mister Griffin, the time commitment is necessary in the role of being a board member. Therefore, what do you believe is involved or should be included within that time commitment? How would you expect to spend your time as a board member, or what do you believe is an appropriate commitment of time for your board service?
I think I wouldn't mind for this position. I understood the the high level of impact that will happen. It is something that I always prioritize and and then, that's one of my top priorities. I think, the time has been for the board. You know, I I I see that's full time opportunity. I see it's, as something that I'm taking with me wherever I do. I think that looks like, community partnerships and community. What does that look like? How strategic, the vision is for we should probably continue to involve our, business leaders, how we continue to all of our, business leaders, how we continue with our state
leaders and, in a lot of states that I show up. You know, I mentioned that I work for Indiana University, and, you know, I travel a little bit across the state with one of, my roles is visit with alumni, and I'm connecting often them to our mission. And how do you see yourself evolving into our mission? How can we support you? And I think that's, a big goal a big part of the goal when it comes to being a school board as well as, setting the the agenda for the mission.
What is this these what are these policies actually, look at, and how do we continue to, improve and better our settlement with the district in alignment with the, the how to that with the, superintendent. Thank you. Hi, mister Griffin. My name is Kenneth Burke from the school secretary. Questions. How would you describe your understanding of school budgeting and financial decision making, and what factors would guide you in thinking when considering whether a referendum is necessary to support
the district. Yes. My, my understanding, of education or school, but a lot of my, understanding of, public budget and finance. And I think it's important that we all always consider, the risk, with with these decision of being made when it comes to budget, and operating in the budget. I think with recent federal, and state changes to that patient is created, some tough times where we might have to, look at the resources that we have and figure
out alternative ways to be in the neighborhood in those ways. I think, when we think about our friends, we have to realize what's at stake for the community as well. It's not just about, you know, the the school district, what are going to impact on the families of the school district and, we've misconsidered those things. I think, I think Wayne has been kind of the game that comes to how we think about those things. I remember times in high school when, you know, we were on the verge of
possibly, needing to think through different ideas or plans for a day's university and a community where they're coming together and find solutions to that. And so, I think about how we do in these approaches and understanding that, there are these are challenging times that we're facing currently that, we're gonna need to progress together and try to figure out what that, is gonna look like. Mister Griffin, last question. Please share why you are the best candidate for the position of MSD at Wing Township Board member.
Yes. I believe that I believe that's candid, for because my community's me. Blaine has been a part of my life since I've been with them. I think, when I when I think about our when I talk to my friends, I felt like, it it it's a it feels like, you know, when I graduated college, you know, immediately, connected with folks who made time to find out different ways I can be involved. I continue to stay involved in the new college, but that was you mentioned my
students, but I was coming back to see the classes or even seeing a show party competition. I have remained committed to service and advocacy throughout the state of Indiana, but especially with the way you've given me as a as a student, as a as a teenager, and as an adult. Now, so much I would love to continue to bring my expertise and skills, whether that's, from board and governance management, whether that's from financial literacy, whether that's from involvement in student life.
I wanna continue to, be a vessel that, improves the outcomes in this district. And I am a committed member of this district and committed to, the entirety of the success of this district. Thank you so much. Appreciate your time, Steve. Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. You're a great evening. Mister president, we do have some time until the next candidate. It's it's your pleasure. You didn't take a break. If you wanna call that at five, it's fine. It's alright. It's okay. So next candidate is starting to come in. Standing.
Board is currently five three days. Next candidate is scheduled at 6PM. To phone, about a couple of minutes. Okay. Good evening, miss Morales. My name is Raymond Bowman. I'm honored to service president of the board. I'll start with interview questions. Let's tell us about yourself and what led you to apply for the position of board member for the Metropolitan School District Wayne Township. Well, first of all, thank you very much for having me and inviting me for this, you know, opportunity that is very honorable.
And then just excited to be here to chat a little bit more about you. I've been moving in the Wayne Township District, maybe that was the manager from Denver, Colorado. What brought you to Indiana was grad school. Afterwards, the plan was to to head back home east with my parents, but, you know, there's just something about Indianapolis that kinda keeps you here. So I went on to, launch my career working as a city in Indianapolis. I've been fortunate to have several various roles from data analysis to community building now.
The more senior level of kind of working to support our network community members, also being more engaged with different organizations, outside of my role, with the city. And what kind of piqued my interest in the decision was, of course, I I have a 10 year old son and a four year old daughter. And my son, he's been at Martin City Elementary, so it's kinda just hearing about the opportunity and the way to give that gainfully.
My son always tells me, mom, why don't you be a teacher? And I wanna see you at school. And I'm like, okay. I try to volunteer on field trips. I try to support on the, you know, parent teacher opportunities that you have. But I always I always just feel like how can I get that right? So I feel like those have been those opportunities that I've had, but I feel like this would be an even more meaningful opportunity just to be able to be part of the board. And bring my perspective as a first generation, that's not bilingual, you know, grew up
in The US, k through 12 public education system, and also just understanding how diverse my internship will become. Thank you very much. Hi, mister Morales. My name is Susan Graves. I'm the vice president of school board. So could you share with us, what you know about the MSD of Wayne Township? I know that it again, like I said, a very, diverse township. I'm also a PhD student. So, one of my assignments a couple of semesters back was to look into a
school district, and so I, of course, chose where I live, which is Wayne Township. And I I kind of did a spatial analysis about the township trying to understand, the different student population and how they've changed over the years as well as the access in the community, what is available for families, how do schools partner better with community organizations and so forth. Another thing that I love about Lake Township is the the language access, program that
they do have. The multilingual night. So my niece and nephew, I became there as a local parent partner a couple years ago, so they kind of went to Winters and they can send data. They both graduated. So just even knowing all the different, opportunities that they would have after, you know, whether they wanted to take the traditional I'm gonna go to college track or they wanted to go into a trade or they wanted to focus on a different type of, path after high school. So even kind of seeing how they were supported through that transition.
And then seeing it from my son's perspective as an elementary student, and all the different things that, doctor Poindexter does to kind of create community at Bardets City Elementary, Elementary, but also just a different partnership that I see between the schools, between the educators, and how the teachers support the students. Good evening, Hamidika Graham, board member. As a school board member, how would you ensure that all students, regardless of their background, learning needs, or life experiences, feel valued, supported, and able to succeed in our
schools? Well, I would definitely say how are we ensuring that our educators have the resources that we're able to create those environments? How do we create that partnership with the superintendents to be able to kinda bring as as education continues to evolve as their student and logical advances? How do we kind of support that access to create that environment? How do we continue fostering community, here in Wayne Township, especially when it comes to,
again, like, a kind of multilingual family or multilingual student, for them to see themselves reflected within Wayne Township regardless of what school, what grade level, what language, and where they might be from, or, just their overall background. But I definitely think that just the way that we support our educators and our building administrators to have those resources to create that environment within the schools, like, that is where the students will feel it the most because this is where they're studying.
I would say probably 80% of their time throughout the year is in full five days a week. And so, the best way is having that partnership with the superintendent, ensuring that, you know, decisions are being made that support the resources and the schools for our educators and the things that. I'm Sherry. I'm a Marquette, and I'm a school board member also. But I'm also gonna tell you that I come to your son's at a great school. I spent six years there as assistant principal and principal at Garden City.
So once a gator, always a gator, as we said. So I'm already the the high five. And so I'm asking, what's the best way to address differences of opinion within the board or between the board and administration? And then the second part of my question, which I can repeat later if you need to is, could you support a board decision that you could not vote in favor of in a while? Oh, after the second question, Fern, I would definitely say that it is for the
greater good most definitely. I feel like we see this a lot within, different stuff that we can have in this community. There are some decisions or even maybe one various board where I will not agree with something, but I do I am able to relate and understand if there is greater good impact coming from this for those who we are being passive to, you know, make that government decision.
And and kind of, again, a response to your first question would be, this happens a lot. And I think we can also find common ground. And what is that common ground? Like, how do we listen to each other, but not listen to each other to the point where, okay, I'm just gonna listen until I can speak. But really listen. But at the same time, how are we, I would say, keeping in mind, you
know, that this is, again, the the decision, the perspective, the point of view that's being brought to kind of, find a collaborative working point between the board should reflect, like, what do our families want, what do students want, what do educators want. And so I think from that angle, definitely never taking anything personal because nothing is personal at the end of the day. And so just trying to find that that point where we can see not maybe
exactly eye to eye, but I understand your angle, and then we can kind of find where we can Awesome. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Ben Wakefield. I'm a fellow board member, and I want to ask if you could describe how you approach collaborating with a group of individuals who may hold different perspectives and how you would apply that approach when working with fellow board members. So I've had to work with a lot of folks in the past where, you know, we do not see eye to eye.
I would definitely say, definitely, again, a lot of just getting to understand their perspective and where they come from, having that boundary of respecting their position, their point of view. I think my approach has always been more also kinda going to to trust in both of my personal board of directors and trying to hear from another perspective where it's not just being it's not just the person that I might not really understand, but kind of getting that third person perspective because there could be something that I'm
not seeing. Which I think is is a good way for for everyone to reflect, to take that moment to kind of and also definitely not making decisions or anything when, you know, you are not feeling, in in the best kind of taking that approach. I feel like that's how I'm taking it. Kinda more, listen first, speak, speak afterwards, one time that's making me work for. Time commitment is necessary in the role of being a board member.
What do you believe is involved or should be included within the time commitment? I would just wanna say that, I believe it depends on how many hours a month that's gonna make you submit to me and to max of two hours a month, if that is required, especially with my different responsibilities. Right now, I finished my course work in my PhD program, done preparing for my
qualifying exam. And I believe that has, allowed me to have more time to, again, take on different opportunities, which is why I was interested in this because my husband said, well, in the past, my husband will always say, are you sure you can do that? Because You take about two classes every semester and you have a lot of you have a lot of homework. But now it's different. It's been different everything that's in the course work. And, also, I'm on a current work, which my term will be expiring, by the
May next year. So that'll definitely free up time. And I believe, like, the business would be, of course, for a few minutes, to review information that is probably provided beforehand during the board meeting or, just being well prepared for whatever decision or topic will be just as a board meeting. So that's how I would handle it. That's my big that's how I envision the tax commitment team. I can confidently say, minimum to fifteen hours, but that is, what it adds each
month. But Thank you. Hi. My name is Karen. I'm secretary of work. My question will be, how would you describe your understanding of the school budgeting and financial decision making? What factors would guide your thinking when considering whether a referendum is necessary to support the district's needs? I would definitely leave a lot on, so as a parent in school district, I filled out a lot of surveys asking our input. What kind of data has been gathered through surveys, when or what outreach has been
done by those have, like, when it comes to tables or analysis by the district, and what has been that feedback. Right? Because Deborah wants to make an informed decision based on what our families, feel where community members feel to make that decision when it comes to budgeting and financing. I mean, definitely, again, also on on the reality of what our school district staff that are the experts around that are seeing and what they're presenting.
But then also I mean, I guess, I would also say, I just I'll just make that all advocate of, like, are there other solicitors who have faced similar situations and how they approach that from Maple. So being kind of looking for creative solutions as well, not just only to keep a little bit. It's just it because I I feel like in in my day to day, in my special life, as a student, I'm always looking at what other things have done,
what other what other, ways, situations have been addressed that have been similar, to see if there is a a different or even better with that happen, then consider that we could consider. Leading on the type first, but also trying to ensure that listening to our family and our community members. This is Morales. Last question. Please share why you were the best candidate for the position of MSD of Wayne Township, Moreland.
I'm the best candidate for this position because I do reflect the changing diversity of of this school district. I am bilingual. I understand that the needs that our families who are choosing Wayne Township to be here to establish a friend here. And as we established to do that, I I personally feel that that should be reflected when decisions are needed especially around finances and policy. Additionally, when we look at how many students are first generation as well or will
be first generation in their family, you know, that should also be reflected on this part as well, even more. I'm also the perfect candidate because I am very familiar with the place township. I've lived here and I've been here from Indiana. So my family already is a future. I also have I bring good expertise on data. So I do have a background in data analysis, through geographic information systems.
So kind of bringing those plans to this body. And, additionally, just kind of understanding the the landscape that they shift at the state level that ends up impacting school district and our funding. So kind of all these different skill sets may have maybe to be in this moment here tonight and to hopefully give back to the school district that I understand so much love, and that has really created a lot of great memories for my
niece, my nephew, and a privilege for them. So much. Really appreciate your time, Steve. Thank you very much. Thank you. You. Happy evening. And happy holidays. Same to you. Mister president, I know we're scheduled before a break. Maybe you want me to start that edit. K. At 06:19. 06:50? Yes. Good evening, mister. Good evening. My name is Brandon Bowman. I'm honored to serve as president of the board, and I'll start here with any questions to see. Please tell us about yourself and what led you to apply for the position of
board member for the MSD of Wayne Township. I'm I'm from the West Side, but I am from the bottom of the high school. I'm just always felt as to never be for sure the next year whether my school is gonna be there or not. The teacher wouldn't be there. I'll be honest. When I first walked in to do my student teaching at the Davis, I don't know what what have we done. What have we gotten something to?
But by the time I left, I just loved it so much. And I feel as if not really open doors for me, for my life, that And that that's one of the reasons. Just some way that we pay back a little bit or whatever. Thank you so much. My name is Tame. I'm Susan Graves. I'm the vice president of school board. My question is share with us what you know about the But I would say
that that's what I try to try to explain to you. The size comes up with the more students you have, the more programs you can have, the more options you're offering to go. We're under the fact that it's like every other new public school institution. We can't create those on this. But I think it's a really close knit staff who support each other, look out for each other, look out for the community. Schools are really kind of the only environment that we still have type of in
society. The definite website is the only thing that everybody recognizes if you have knowledge to talk now. Good evening. I'm Amica Graham, board member. As a school board member, how would you ensure that all students, regardless of their background, learning needs, and life experiences, feel valued, supported, and able to succeed in our schools? That is a problem that I wrestled with my whole professional career. I'm trying to make sure that every student feels as if they are valued in
their care. I think we have to acknowledge student successes. We have to help students when they have problems. They have to make mistakes in decisions, just as I make decisions, but, obviously, if you do, right, they're gonna help guide me back to the right path. I think those are the important things that we are we are excited that they are part of our community, part of our classroom, part of our sports team, whatever it might be. I I think we can do that and encourage them to continue to try and
show them that we're there for them, whether they're successful or not. If that can go long way towards making it's closest to where all the kids are excited to be there. As much as you can ask. So we'll be excited about our it's getting to be much more difficult task. Remember what I was like when I was at school, but, I have friends that would like me to stop that. Instead, people assume that it's very much, much better. But I think that encourage them, trying to seek them out for our and it's
encouraging them. I think it's really we have to know them and talk to them in relationship with them and really help them with the people like the task force system. Thank you. Evening, mister Payne. I'm Sherry O'Day Marcotte. I have a question for you about differences of opinion, but it's a two part question. So I'll get both of them, then I can come back if needed to. But what, in your opinion, is the best way to address differences of opinion within the board or between the board administration? And as a follow-up, could you support a board decision that you did not vote
in favor of? Why or why not? I think that only really relate to those kinds of confidence is that what we can take and continue to, from the beginning and what we can process so people understand what's happening, why people want that to happen. I'm sure I could support a decision that I thought maybe I just differed with as far as the last few, but I'm not sure if he's still gonna call for this. It's gonna be harmful to me. Thank you. Good evening, mister Payne.
My name is Ben Wakefield. My question's similar topic. Can you describe how you approach collaborating with a group of individuals who might hold different perspectives and how you apply that approach of working with members of this board? Try to try to be open and honest about what you're trying to accomplish. Try to maybe seek out their assistance to their input. I found that just that we're teachers from the multiple backgrounds that you wanna accomplish something together, maybe a time group like that, you have to find some common ground
that you can brace on. I will be not agreeing on the methodology, but you have to agree on the objective. And once you've done that, then you can negotiate, discuss, actually. Time commitment is necessary in the role of being a board member. What do you believe is involved or should be included with the time commitment? I'm not sure what you're What do you believe or what is your understanding of the time commitment necessary to be a successful board member, and what do you feel,
should be included with that commitment? I think that you'll be present. Walt had more than his board meetings. I mean, in usually a little bit, talk to people. Here was share that. As far as time commitments, I'm not really sure because I'll be honest. Like, most teachers, I don't really care about my kids, my students, both sides of the day. But I think you have to be available when problems arise.
Because I know that just being for the future. I always felt very confident that the work would protect our school, protect our teachers. Yeah. I had never worried about that. That never caught a lot. So availability, it's probably just when they show up, be there as As far as the person involved in that, I'm hoping that we'll do the right now to know exactly the process of the vault.
Appreciate that. Thank you. Hi, mister Payne. My name is Karen Burke, and I'm the secretary of the school board. My question is, how would you describe your understanding of school budgeting, financial decision making, and what factors would guide your thinking of considering whether referendum is necessary to support the district needs. I know that money is shrinking every year. So I think that we have to deal with the confidence about that community. I think we've got extremely supportive.
They've never asked for help to sympathize from when we've not received some. But I think that we have also to be aware that there are concerns about spending, then we may not be as not all about processes and needs so we can be more be more forthcoming, open, talk about what the problems are, let people know what is coming down in the crack we're done so that people can see this decision. Mister Payne, last question, Steven. Please share why you are the best candidate for the position of MSD Point Township.
I will say this. I moved the township from work in the same community. I've never read that decision before second. I I love the school system. I'm so proud of what our students have accomplished. It's just it's it's made my adult life adult as if I had reached pretty much all the goals I had. Okay. Even though most of my recognized them years ago, they're old now.
They're not much, much older. But, I love when you're talking. I I I'll be honest. I've been so busy since I retired that I haven't really been able to miss school. Last week or two, I got by. So I'm not seeing. So then I remember it now and then. But I I love the community, and I'm I'm very much like to have a community. I'll get back to you. Because I've gotten so much from the meeting.
Thank you very much. I greatly appreciate your time, Steve. Thank you. Alright. Is our next candidate here? Yes. K. We will suspend our other beeps at 06:55. Thank you. Miss Simon, my name is Brandon Bone. I'm honored to be president of the Board of Education, and I'll start the interview questions this evening. Thank you. I'll give you a call. Thank you. You too. Can you tell us about yourself and what led you to apply for the position for the Metropolitan School District in Boynton Township? Yes. America, in the field of nonstructural testing, fluorescent fluorescent injection.
It is a highly technical, process. It's collaborative with other, operations within our facility. We do a lot of quality, safety, and technical, research and development. I'm also a mother of five. I didn't have a mom, but I have two children. They are both young adults, mother of a veteran, very proud of that, and a grandma up to, five and seven year old. And then I have three very, intelligent, very, and then step children who live outside
as well. I am involved specifically with my union. I am a UWU local nine thirty three, rep. I'm sorry. Representative. And, I sit on the cap committee, civil rights committee, the, community committee, as well as the labor of organizing. I'm a member of the NOACP Thank you so much.
Good evening, miss Simon. My name is Susan Graves, and I'm the vice president of the school report. My question is, share with us what you know about the MST of Flintocia, please. So I've done a lot of research, and, I have I think those I'm sorry. As long as we service a large English effective language demographic. So, I'm in teachers that are qualified to teach, but I will look at what's
important as well as, we offer some programs for high voltage learners. Good evening. I'm a Rita Graham, board member. As a school board member, how would you ensure that all students, regardless of their background, learning needs, or life experiences, feel valued, supported, and able to succeed in our school? Very thoughtful question. How would I ensure that every student is valued supported by, championing and activating for services that could be changing the students and making sure that we're addressing the student
as a whole, not just their education. So education. So there are things that they need, outside of school, like, resources for housing insecurity or food insecurity. Making sure we have those programs that we develop. Thank you. Hi. I'm Sherry. I'm also a school board member. I wanna ask you about the best way it's a two part question, so I'll repeat the second part. You can use the second part first to our collection. But what, in your opinion, is the best way to address the differences of opinion within the board or between the board and administration?
And then the second part is, could you support a board decision that you did not vote in favor of in line by now? Thank you. I would I would to check. I think statements in in special needs to be different areas. And any decision that whether or not I champion it or not, that support came to in a different way, I would support because I think unity is very important
on the sports That we show that we did buy it from. I believe that if the court came to that decision, it would be based off of facts and scenario students' names first. Thank you. Good evening, miss Simon. My name is Benoit Gilmak, fellow board member as well. And my question is, on a similar topic, can you describe how you approach collaborating with a group of individuals who may pull different perspectives and how you don't buy that approach working with fellow members of this school. But, as long as our our focus is on the same thing, they tell us
the path to finding mutual. So just being a good listener and communicate with them about the topics and and having it be supported with facts and data. Any any screen that anyone has, we need to play with information for all of our pain towards the table. Time commitment is necessary in the role of being a board member. What do you believe is involved or should be included with the time commitment as a board member? I have a question in terms of time commitment. And what is your understanding of, the commitment required to be a successful board member,
or what do you feel should be included as part of the time you commit to your board service? I understand the question. And possibly an additional time to go out in school to look at projects and issues and speak for the community leaders and things of that nature. Thank you very much. Excuse me. My name is Karen Burke, and I'm with School of Design. My question is, how would you describe your understanding of school budgeting and financial decision making? Simon, the last question, Steve, please share why you are the best candidate for the
position of MSD of Wayne Township's board member. Thank you so much. We really appreciate your time. Thank you. At 07:18, you're adjourned for a special meeting. Mister president, I believe we have to take a motion and a second. Motion to close our session. That's, Second. Do you have a motion and a second to adjourn?
Any comment or discussion? For now, all in favor, say aye. Aye. You're adjourned. Thank you. Thank you, doctor Suggs.