VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have served on the Livonia Public Schools Board of Education for 17 years, many as President or Vice-President of the Board. I have lead through difficult situations, such as the 2008 financial crisis and Covid, and through more prosperous years when supports and improvements could be added to our district offerings, giving me experience to face challenges that school districts will inevitably face. I have lead the review and update of the Code of Ethics and Board Operating Procedures, which are designed to ensure a respectful and well-run Board for years to come. I am a graduate of Livonia Public Schools, as are my husband and adult children, and I am passionate about high-quality, financially responsible public education.

The highest priority facing the Board of Education in Livonia Public Schools at this time is the smooth transition from our highly successful Superintendent, Andrea Oquist, who is retiring, to our incoming Superintendent, Bill Green, who brings many years of LPS leadership to the position. As President of the Board, it is my responsibility to work closely with our new Superintendent and Board as a team of eight to ensure consistent governance of the district. A second priority of the district is the appropriate use of AI in the classroom. AI is part of our lives, and the appropriate use for students and staff is crucial. I support the district-wide guidelines to enhance education without abusing its capabilities.

My name is Liz Jarvis. I am married to Blake Jarvis, and have lived in Livonia since 1995. We are recently retired, and have three adult children who are all alumni of LPS.

For many years, I was involved in PTA at several of our schools, and held officer roles across the district and at Michigan PTA for a number of years. A strong supporter of public education, I have served on the LPS Board of Education since 2015, and have guided LPS through both rough seas, and smooth sailing. I am eager to continue steering the ship; full steam ahead!

LPS has recently hired a new superintendent, who will begin in January. The smooth transition between superintendents will be our first priority, as it affects every aspect of our district. Additional issues include defining the role of AI in our schools, as well as the use of technology in general. Of course, we must continue to focus efforts on increasing student achievement. While our students’ test scores outpace the state’s, we can—and should—aim higher. Also, the board’s role in advocacy will be more important than ever. We must be ready to define and defend the resources our students require, and to meet the academic needs of every student, ensuring their success after graduation.

My name is Mark Johnson. I was born in Buffalo, NY on August 21, 1953, and moved to Livonia in 1966. Other than time at college, I have been here for the last 60 years. I am married to my better half, Rose and we live with my special needs son Eric, who is wonderful.

I graduated from Livonia Bentley High School and then from the University of Toledo with a BBA in Finance. After working in the finance world for almost six years, I returned to school and obtained a Juris Doctor Cum Laude from the Detroit College of Law. I then worked as trial attorney for the same firm for the next 34 years.

I have been a school board trustee, holding all offices, since May of 2010. I have significant experience and want to continue to serve the community.

Livonia is a large district and with that comes challenges. The main issue is maintaining sufficient resources to meet the needs of all students. We must continue to put pressure on our legislators and impress upon them the need for the state to adequately fund all districts. Along with that comes the fiscal responsibility to use those and other funds wisely.

Likewise, we need to continue to raise test scores through appropriate curriculum that meets state standards. While we have shown growth, we can never become complacent. It is critical that our students have the resources to excel and be prepared when they leave us.

We must also emphasize the trades. There are many jobs available in these areas where careers can be made.