The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
School board candidates answer questions
By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
Editor's note: Four of the five candidates running for the three open positions on the Ypsilanti Public Schools' Board of Education attended a candidates' forum held on April 2, sponsored by the Ypsilanti Education Association and the Ypsilanti Support Staff Association.This is the final part of The Courier's coverage of the forum, Part One was published in last week's edition.
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Candidates Kira Berman and Katherine Weathers, running for the one-year term, and Sarah Devaney and Tom Reiber, running for the two four-year terms, answered nine questions prepared in advance by the unions before the floor was opened to questions from the audience of about 40 people.
Candidate Edward Jackson was reported to be out of the country that night. He met with union representatives privately at another time.
In the second of this two-part series, the answers to the following questions are outlined:
What do you feel Central Administration's role is in the level of morale of the employees?
Weathers said, "The board sets policy, however the Central Administration needs to always be aware of employee morale and do what is prudent and responsible to support an optimum level of performance from all employees. Moreover, the Central Administration should always maintain a level of respect and support."
Devaney responded, "I believe Central Administration plays a pivotal role in the level of morale of the employees. Central Administration needs to include all staff in developing a shared vision, they need to be approachable, there needs to be a process to discuss things, and the staff needs to have input into the decision-making process.
"There needs to be clear expectations of the staff and an open line of communication, but then the staff needs to be trusted to do their job without a high level of micro-management.
"Typically, when the morale of employees is low, it is because employees feel marginalized. By maintaining open dialogue and allowing the staff to do their job, I think poor morale can be avoided.
"As opposed to top-down, hierarchical leadership, I strongly believe in distributive leadership where the staff is motivated and empowered by Central Administration. I also think it's important for Central Administration to acknowledge the hard work and celebrate the successes of its staff."
Reiber said, "Central Administration's role is only one aspect of morale. I view the central administration, school board and employees as equal supports of a three-legged stool that are the foundation of the district. We cannot succeed without all three teams working together in the best interest of our students."
Berman replied, "Central Administration's role in employee morale is vital. It's about collaboration again - everyone has to know that we are on the same team. When the administration is open and accessible, when it communicates a shared vision, respects teachers and staff as the professionals they are, and invites everyone to be part of the solution, we have a better district.
"If elected, I will ensure that, if we hire a new superintendent, she or he will be somebody who leads by example and provides the employees the tools to improve our district."
What is your view on the privatization and out sourcing of union jobs?
Devaney replied, "I don't support privatization and I don't support the out sourcing of union jobs. It is essential to utilize employees of the Ypsilanti Public Schools. We need to support our employees and privatization doesn't invest in nor promote our community.
"When we consider privatization, only certain groups would be burdened by such a decision, such as janitors, bus drivers, etc. We are in this together, so we have a collective responsibility to bear the brunt of any potential cuts.
"I also support hiring local, union workers for our technology bond and did vote no on the recent bid resolution that came across the board table because it didn't include language around a construction unity board agreement. I do support union jobs and do not think privatization should be a part of public education."
Reiber stated, "I believe that privatization is a short-sighted attempt to save money. Education is not a business and our students are not commodities to be sold to the lowest bidder.
"In addition, there are many problems when private firms attempt to move into education: they typically underestimate costs, have quality issues, or are forced to provide a lower level of services."
Berman responded, "I think it's a poor idea. It's often ineffective at creating real savings, and will lead to a decrease in the quality of services. And, it's unfair.
"Privatization and outsourcing are often ineffective at creating real savings for the district, because there is really very little room in our budgets for a profit margin, unless it comes directly from the employees in wages and benefits. When it does, service quality declines, as data shows. That can mean an enrollment decline, losing the district any gain it made from privatization.
"These procedures are unfair because when you replace union positions with nonunion jobs with fewer benefits and lower wages, you are asking a few people to bear most of the brunt of budget cuts. As a member of the board, I will look carefully at all of the details of any privatization proposal, but frankly, I don't expect to find one I could support."
Weathers said, "I am against outsourcing jobs. I truly believe that people from the community should do the jobs made available within their community.
"These are volatile times of economic instability, housing foreclosures, and rising unemployment rates. Union jobs should be maintained and any privatization of these jobs should be made only as a last resort.
"In the event there are no qualified, unionized, legalized citizens who are available to do the work, then and only then should privatization be considered. I am one that truly believes in thinking outside of the box to create ways to enhance revenue so privatization and the outsourcing of jobs do not come into play."
How will you handle situations when outside groups or employees challenge Central Administration's decisions and bring it to the Board?
Reiber said, "I would listen carefully, take notes and ask clarifying questions. I try to take time to consider other sides of the issue. I also look for common ground and try to build consensus. But, in the end, I have to decide based on what is in the best interest of the students."
Berman said, "This question is difficult to answer without knowing what the issue is, but I think the key is facilitating open communication and know the role of the board. The board is made up of elected representatives of the community and, as a board member, it will be my responsibility to listen carefully to any group and look carefully at information from multiple sources.
"That said, this is an issue of balance. Sometimes, it is appropriate for a group to communicate directly with administration, through the normal channels, and explain the problems to that they can be addressed. Other times, if community members bring issues of policy that are appropriate for the board to hear, it will be my responsibility to see that these concerns are communicated clearly to board leadership and addressed fairly."
Weathers responded, "Our goal as board members is to represent the greater learning community. The Central Administration and the board must work together for the common good without creating a divide between the two. We (board members) should always be willing to ensure unity throughout the district and listen to our community members. They pay for all resources.
"Overall, the facts, data and best interest of our children will determine the informed decisions I make."
Devaney replied, "Because we are representatives of our community, it's important to listen to outside groups or employees. However, there is a chain of command that is necessary to follow, but that doesn't imply passing the buck. When I receive communication, whether it's emails or phone calls, I listen carefully but always encourage dialogue with our superintendent.
"It's important to understand the concerns of outside groups or employees, but as a board member, I do not engage in micro-managing. And, as a single board member, I am powerless.
"So, if a concern is around day-to-day operations, Central Administration is ultimately responsible for settling that issue. If the concern is related to policy, then it is the board's responsibility to listen and respond appropriately, making decisions only as a whole.
"And, again, as with all decisions that come across the board table, I base my decision on the homework that I've done, which involves listening to all sides, asking relevant questions (while not being afraid to challenge things), and looking at appropriate data."
How do you see a board member's relationships to the superintendent, union leaders, and parents?
Berman said, "This question is about open communication and fostering collaboration. As a board member, I will work closely with all three of these constituencies in the interest of the students.
"In addition to getting to know parents, teachers, union leadership and the superintendent, I hope to facilitate open communication between these groups so that we can all contribution to solutions.
"Additionally, of course, one of the most important upcoming tasks the board will have will be hiring a new superintendent. In this regard, inviting input from parents and staff will be vital."
Weathers stated, "I see a board member's relationship to the Superintendent, Union Leaders and parents as one of respect and service."
Devaney replied, "I believe it's important to have a healthy relationship with the superintendent, union leaders, and parents. A board member needs to listen to, evaluate, and value all input they receive while remembering not to favor one group over another. It's important to remain as fair and impartial as possible.
"All of the aforementioned parties have an equal role in the educational process of our students so it is necessary to cultivate objective relationships with all of them. I believe I've demonstrated over the past year as a board trustee that I have developed healthy relationships with each group. And, I am a better board member as a result."
Kathleen Conat is a longtime Ypsilanti resident and freelance writer for The Courier. She can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.
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