Why am I running for Flat Rock School Board?

It is the number one question I get asked and the most important one. Fortunately, the answer is quite simple:

• Tough decisions are ahead for Flat Rock education
• We have a great opportunity to unify and strengthen Flat Rock
• I am uniquely qualified to help Flat Rock schools get even better

Face it, the grim reality is that Michigan suffers the highest unemployment rates in the nation, one of the highest levels of foreclosure and fastest falling housing prices. We would be foolish to assume that this is not going to impact our State funding for education. We are going to have more challenges in our school budgets. This year’s cuts are certainly not the end.

We need leaders on the School Board. Flat Rock deserves a Board of Education with experience in managing budgets, finances, and aren’t afraid to talk directly to the administrators, the teachers, the parents, the students, and the community and find the best solutions.

I am eager for that challenge. I believe that the biggest successes come from finding opportunities in tough times. This is my vision for Flat Rock–accelerating, not diminishing or education program.

I see opportunities to:

• Think forward and minimize the impact of declining budgets
• Leverage our state-of-the-art new facilities
• Bring City Hall, the community, and our schools into closer partnership
• Work with our teachers and parents to strengthen our classrooms
• Build on the innovation already started in Flat Rock education
• Improve the pride in our growing athletic programs

I am confident in this positive vision for Flat Rock education, because these are not new experiences. My experiences in starting, building, and selling businesses; managing and restructuring my own business during this current recession; and serving in City government have prepared me to help Flat Rock build, not tear down in the next four years.