|
|
|
|
Chuck Lesch (left), Mark Morsfield, John Mullins and Lisa Slawson addressed issues at a Candidates' Forum April 10 that ranged from school of choice to special education to the district's future. Video from the event can be viewed at www.salinereporter.com. The election will be held May 6. Candidate Dan Krus was unable to attend the forum because of a prior commitment.
|
|
Before an audience of 25 to 30 people -- mostly school administrators and district staff -- four of five candidates for two seats on the Saline school board fielded questions at a public forum April 10.
Seated in the Saline Middle School media center, Chuck Lesch, Mark Morsfield, John Mullins and Lisa Slawson addressed issues ranging from school of choice to special education to the district's future.
Candidate Dan Krus couldn't make the forum because he was teaching a class at Washtenaw Community College. Moderator Sue G. Collins, a staff writer for The Saline Reporter, which sponsored the forum, read a prepared statement by Krus.
In their two-minute opening statements, which can be viewed via video online at www.salinereporter.com, all of the candidates cited an interest in giving back to the community as the reason for their running for one of two four-year seats on the board.
The candidates, who will appear on the May 6 ballot, were asked to relate an experience they had reaching a difficult decision through consensus.
Morsfield, who works for a venture capital firm and as a consultant, said he put together a team at a company two years ago to provide input on necessary lay-offs. He said consensus building requires listening to people and establishing criteria that are "clear and preferably measurable."
Lesch, a scientist who worked for Pfizer before it closed its Ann Arbor labs, was a member of the company's capital asset team charged with dispensing with the pharmaceutical company's lab equipment. He said he was able to facilitate donating much of the equipment to area schools, including $500,000 of property to both the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
Slawson, the only incumbent in the race and who currently serves as board president, spoke of her role in the board's decision to put former superintendent Beverley Geltner on paid administrative leave.
"It was important, given the circumstances surrounding that event, that the process was fair, legal and transparent," Slawson said.
Mullins said he took on an involved challenge when he worked for Domino's International to move the company more aggressively into foreign countries. He said consensus building was established through the relationships built with the parties involved.
Mullins, who ran unsuccessfully for the board in 2004, is currently facing assault and disturbing the peace charges stemming from a confrontation with Saline Athletic Director Rob White at a state wrestling meet held at the high school. White received a personal protection order against Mullins, who is currently banned from school grounds without written permission from Superintendent Scot Graden.
Candidates were asked of which accomplishment -- either personal or professional -- they were most proud.
All answered their families.
Slawson, an attorney, said she was proud of having taken years off from practicing law to be with her children and of her service as president of the Woodland Meadows Parent-Teacher Association. Mullins, too, was proud of a career change.
"After 25 years in corporate America, I realized it wasn't very satisfying," he said.
Mullins started a real estate company with his wife, Tanny.
"I'm very proud of being able to work with my wife. The transition wasn't easy," he said.
Morsfield said he was most proud personally of having addressed a drinking problem.
"There's nothing like facing your demons," he said. "I find that to be my greatest achievement -- to find my way out of the dark into the light."
Professionally, Morsfield said he took great pride in helping inventors and entrepreneurs succeed.
Lesch said he was most proud of his family, particularly his wife's success in establishing a dental practice in town.
Regarding what they viewed should be the district's top goals, Mullins said he would consider selling Liberty School and other district property to generate revenue. He also identified the budget and special education as primary issues facing the district.
Slawson said the state should reconsider how public education is funded.
"We have to think about how we raise revenue," she said.
Lesch said in light of the district's mission to keep kids first, the highest level of educators needed to be retained.
"We just need to find ways to keep those teachers in place who are going to have the greatest influence on our kids," he said.
All the candidates endorsed the high school's transition to a trimester schedule next year.
"I think, overall, once the kinks are worked out, trimester will be a good thing," Lesch said.
"That's the decision and that's where we're heading," said Morsfield, "so the best question to ask is how do we make the best of it?"
Three of the four candidates said they thought the special education department was doing a fine job by Saline families, but Mullins said the program was in disarray, saying he knew of families who had pulled their children out of the district because of their displeasure with the service they were getting.
"There are some real serious issues there," Mullins said. "We need to revamp our overall opinions about how we approach special needs."
The candidates described themselves as "team players."
"Compromise, listening and respect are key elements of a good board member," Slawson said.
Morsfield and Slawson were firmly behind the district's decision last year to become a school of choice, which in the past had been a flashpoint for many parents.
"We live in a competitive environment, whether we like it or not," Morsfield said. "As a matter of course, I'm for it."
Lesch said he didn't like the idea originally, but has "become more of a proponent of a gradual school of choice."
"I'm still on the fence about how I feel about it," said Mullins, who also initially opposed the proposal.
Asked whether they thought having retired teachers and former teacher union negotiators on the board might be a conflict of interest, only Mullins saw a potential problem.
"That's a tough question," he said. "My gut wants to say yes."
He said he believed there could be a problem during contract negotiations.
Three former teachers currently sit on the Saline school board. They are David Friese, David Medley and Kim Van Hoek. Van Hoek, whose term is up this year, is not seeking re-election.
Slawson disagreed with Mullins' concern.
"I think it's key to have people at the table who have spent 30 years focusing on what is best for the kids," she said. "I've never seen any of them not put kids first."
"Why not have the people who understand the problems, the successes and the pitfalls on the board?" asked Lesch. "Teachers know the schools best."
"It's a matter of balance in the representation," Morsfield said. "Frankly, it doesn't matter what I think. After all, the board is an elective body."
The forum was recorded for the local cable station and portions can be viewed at www.salinereporter.com.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
Expanded
Web
Coverage
Staff Blog, "Inside The Newsroom"
TOP JOBS
