Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
616-330-4785
Age
39
Candidate Information
I am running to restore trust and mend the fractured relationship between educators and the current school board. We need to work together because our children should come first. I will champion a forward-thinking STEM curriculum that truly prepares our students for the future. Let me earn your vote!
While I have no direct experience setting school board policy, I have a host of valuable life experiences that make me well equipped to help our schools face the challenges ahead. I have 14 years of leadership experience at a technology company. In this role, I've built an organization from scratch: hiring and working together with a variety of personalities, establishing policies and protocols for the company, and serving as a decision-maker. This background also makes me uniquely aware of impact of and given me experience with AI and automation technologies that are currently shaping the job market. Skilling our children for a rapidly changing job market will be a key to preparing them to leave school and pursue college or a career.
1) The relationship between the current school board and the teachers is fractured. Rather than treating the teachers as allies and working toward improving education opportunities for all students, the board has treated the teachers as adversaries and caused a rift.
2) Funding issues and the poor use of existing funds has caused maintenance to be deferred, stalled any investments in needed facilities, and is now leading to services being cut/limited. We need a board that helps secure needed funding and ensure the responsible use of funds.
3) Technology, like AI and automation, is changing what the future job market looks like. We need to adapt our curriculum and invest in a STEM program.
I hope to promote more community engagement as part of my work on the board. I want to advocate for programs for our students to engage with and give back to the community, so the community can see their tax dollars at work. Similarly, I want to encourage engagement from our community with our schools. More interaction with our students and teachers will help us to restore trust, strengthen the community, and hopefully promote future investments in our schools.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
616-485-2970
Age
54
I graduated from APS in 1990, and my lifelong connection to this community has given me a deep appreciation for the role our schools play in shaping the lives of students and families. After high school, I attended GVSU and built my career in the transportation industry. My experience in that industry has given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges involved in staffing, operations, and fiscal responsibility.
Our ongoing bus driver shortage. I would consider the compensation for our bus drivers, our recruitment and retention of drivers, and the current leadership of our transportation department. Second, the retirement of the current Superintendent. I am excited to be part of the group that gets to select our next Superintendent. For my part I will evaluate each candidate with respect and consideration. Looking for a forward vision for students and community.
Face-to-face would be the thing I would like the best. But I can also interact with the community through social media and email, phone calls. Whatever is more comfortable for the community.
Campaign Phone
616-240-2865
Age
47
Candidate Information
I have called Allendale home for more than 11 years, where my wife and I are raising our three children in APS. I am a longtime district volunteer, have served for four years as a parent representative on APS Student Leadership Teams, and have spent more than four years actively engaged with the Board of Education. I care deeply about our schools and community and am excited about what APS can continue to become.
I have spent more than four years actively engaged with the APS Board of Education, attending meetings, following the issues before the Board, and learning how policy and governance shape our district. I have also served for four years as a parent representative on APS Student Leadership Teams, working alongside educators, administrators, and support staff. These experiences have given me insight into how Board decisions ultimately affect the work happening in our schools. I believe strong policy starts with understanding the issue, listening to those closest to the work, asking thoughtful questions, considering evidence and legal requirements, and being willing to continue learning.
One of the biggest challenges facing APS is how we continue moving the district forward. We should build on what is already working while continuing to improve our facilities, strengthen programs and student supports, and expand opportunities for students. Doing that responsibly requires thoughtful financial stewardship and strong governance. I believe the Board must continue learning, ask thoughtful questions, evaluate priorities and long-term impacts, and listen to educators, students, families, and our community. Strong governance creates the foundation for continued growth and ensures we are making informed decisions about both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Community engagement starts with being accessible, showing up, and listening. I have spent years attending Board meetings, volunteering in our schools, talking with families and staff, and creating resources that make it easier for our community to stay informed and engaged with APS. As a Board member, I would continue being present throughout the district while creating more opportunities for input before consequential decisions are made. I also believe transparency makes engagement possible. Board information should be easy to find, meetings should be accessible and permanently archived, and people should feel comfortable reaching out, whether they agree with me or not.
Campaign Phone
616-443-7673
Age
65
I have served 15 years on the APS board previously. The first time was for 12 years, then I was appointed to fill a 2 and 1/2 year position and then I was appointed an additional time to cover a 6 month position. I have my master board member certification from MASB. I have also served on numerous other boards in a variety of positions.
I believe passing the upcoming bond is the first thing to focus on. In addition, there likely is an upcoming change of leadership that will be determined by this board. I have been involved on two of my previous terms with selecting the new Superintendent of the district. Finally, I think it is very important that the board set the tone for supporting the district. This includes sending your children to the public school if they are of school age. All three of my adult sons graduated from APS and I have all 5 of my grandchildren that live in this district are attending or will be attending (one is under age currently) Allendale Public Schools.
I have been very involved with the schools over the years. Currently, I am announcing for the Boys Soccer team. I also remain a back up for the athletic trainer when he is not available. (I started the Sports Medicine program approximately 25 years ago.) I believe it is important for board members to be at a variety of programs offered within the school district and in previous times on the board, I have always tried to be visible at a number of events whether my family was involved in the events or not.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
