portage school board candidates

Voelker: I think my slogan would be for the kids: Be prepared. Michael OGrady, a resident Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Here are the final, but unofficial results from the Portage County Board of Elections. WebCurrent: Candidate Information; Candidate Information 2023 Candidate Forms. Lets show kids that we care about whether they are healthy, happy, and educated, and that location or time of day doesnt change that. width: 350px; .contact_entity {font-size: 1.0em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0.5em;} What are the opportunities for improvement? .clearfix { PORTAGE, MI -- All four incumbents will remain in their seats on the Portage Public Schools Board of Education. I am a PPS Graduate.

The Portage County Go-to; April 4 election results April 4, 2023 April 5, School Boards. You can cancel at any time. Incumbent Gee Pope and challengers Alex Sommers and Ted Kowalski were elected to three seats on the Stevens Point School Board Tuesday. Visit the Vote411 voter guide online for Dees responses, Click here for more of MLives Election Day coverage, here for full coverage of Kalamazoo-area elections. margin-bottom: .75em; All rights reserved (About Us). background-color: green; The following is the Portage School Board policy that Shlimovitz refers to during her interview: The Board desires its members not only to adhere to all laws regarding conflict of interest, but to be alert to situations which have the appearance of a conflict of interest and to avoid actions that might embarrass themselves or the Board. } I want a school district where the community is more involved with mentoring programs. .results_row td { vertical-align: top; } Jackson, who has worked for, Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education Trustee Craig Herschleb says the district has made big strides on its graduation rate in his six years on the, The Portage Public Schools district is in the midst of overhauling its facilities. .image-candidate-thumbnail-wrapper .image-candidate-thumbnail {

} border: 1px solid #999; Real-world examples are instrumental in helping reinforce what kids are learning, and having local examples shows kids that those careers are attainable. Incumbents Kelly Behnke and Nicky Cross are se, Kyle Little has spent over a decade organizing in Portage to make his dream of a skate park possible. How should the board address them? Be prepared for the life that's going to face you after high school; I want kids in Portage to be as best prepared as they possibly can be and be that half-step above everybody else when they graduate from the state of Wisconsin so that when those jobs are out there they're ready. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. I have been very involved in my childrens education and our school buildings in Portage and want to continue to be involved in a bigger and better way.

Michigan is taking longer than many states to count its votes - heres why, Michigan 2020 live election results: President, Congress and ballot proposals, Trump campaign threatens lawsuit to stop Michigan vote counting. Seven candidates will be vying for the open seats. What specific steps should the board take to ensure that students have a safe and successful academic year in view of Covid-19? } width: 100%; We could consider asking current military, veterans, or former or off-duty police to volunteer additional coverage, under the direction of existing Resource Officers. Your involvement provides shared experiences with your children, great memories, and relationships with others in the community that are invaluable. float: right; I have been #PARDEEVILLEPROUD since our 5-year-old son Zachary walked through the front door of the Marcellon School in September of 2002, she said in an email statement. letter-spacing: 0.03em; Larson: Portage has amazing teachers who truly care about students! font-size: 12px; width: 90%; Shlimovitz: Its unrealistic. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. General election for Portage Community School District, At-large Incumbent Kelly Behnke, incumbent Nicky Cross, and Chad Hayes are running in the general election for Portage Community School District, At-large on April 4, 2023. text-align: center;

.inner_percentage, .inner_percentage.Nonpartisan, .inner_percentage.Independent, .inner_percentage.Constitution, .inner_percentage.unknown { } } z-index:1; left: 0; What are the most positive characteristics or qualities of the school district ones that support student academic achievement and personal development? } Connie Shlimovitz and Dave Voelker are both vying to be the person who fills the chair. Ean Patrice Hamilton, 39, is an attorney with a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a bachelors in English from the University of Michigan. PPS offers many Extension programs IB, KAMSC, Dual-Enrollment, Early Middle College. (Photos provided by candidates via Vote411)Photos provided by candidates via Vote411. }

} My experience as an attorney has taught me to listen first and to respect opinions even if I dont agree with a particular perspective. School safety has to remain a top priority. These are purchasing and hiring of personnel. Winners are noted with an asterisk. I think we could greatly increase parental and community involvement by enacting a broad community-based mentoring program. I experienced this with my own kids and I continue to hear remarkable stories and witness it firsthand. .non_result_row th { .mw-body #mw-content-text .votebox .race_header h3.votebox-header-office-name { It requires active engagement with all students to identify potential threats and it requires a welcoming environment where every student is given fair and impartial treatment. Shlimovitz: Im really the only person who meets the qualifications to run. .results_row td:first-child { left: 0px; margin: auto; The other thing I bring if Im comparing myself to my opponent is that I still have kids in school. Kevin Hoffer, who secured 7,979 votes (11.7%), were both defeated. I was a National Merit Scholar semifinalist and Honor Society member in high school, and graduated with honors. font-weight: bold; Angela Steinhauer 382 Karla Schoofs 558 LeRoy G. Miller 570 Matthew Wierzba 532. Each student deserves the best resources, technology, teachers and role models to succeed. Click here for more of MLives Election Day coverage from across the state, or here for full coverage of Kalamazoo-area elections. text-align: center; Portage is also highly committed to students being ethically aware, culturally sensitive, and living as responsible citizens. display: block; Board members appreciate and absorb this input, which has impacted our thinking. I realize we need to be prudent & wise to ensure this district is fiscally responsible with the trust our community has placed on our decisions to provide an education & experiences that ensure all students succeed.. She added that it is these values, not any personal agenda, that drive her decision-making on the board. background-color: #f9d334; Connie Shlimovitz and Dave Voelker are both vying to be the person WebFOR PORTAGE BOARD OF EDUCATION. .widget-row.value-only.white { Why are you running for a board seat? @media (max-width:600px) { Click here for more of MLives Election Day coverage from across the state, or here for full coverage of Kalamazoo-area elections. DR: If you had a slogan for your school board race what would it be? background-color: #6db24f; U.S. President | } Novaria, 64, is the current board vice president and has served on the board since 2014. The City of Portage la Prairie has announced the list of candidates for city council, mayor, and school board trustee . } margin-top: 1px; I am asking for us to be seen. As a board member, I will listen and consider all public input instead of simply sitting while someone speaks. We need to continue being fiscally responsible and transparent to maintain that relationship.. width: 250px; The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. My three sons, all graduates of the Portage Public Schools have successful careers and the educational foundation they received in Portage is one that I want as an opportunity for all children. I am one of seven voters and I cannot accomplish anything on my own.. Firstly, improving Department of Public Instruction scores, which have fallen over the last five years. State Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, attended the Portage Central walkout. } background-color: grey; } Droppers won 10,002 votes (14.7%). Ives says her core values include active listening, transparency, treating others with dignity, advocating for students, and promoting lifelong learning. Synder, 56, is a healthcare management consultant and president of a healthcare consulting company. .widget-row.heading { .votebox-results-metadata-p { border-bottom: 1px solid grey; I am committed to providing an excellent education for all children, a positive school environment that promotes learning, continual support to administrators, teachers and all staff as well as maintaining open communication with them and our community, continual review of our curriculum and student offerings and fiscal responsibility with transparency, said Walker. } Engagement can be challenging at times, especially in the changing ways citizens receive news. The PPS Board of Education has considered all aspects of safety, educational and family needs. Snyder won 12,562 votes (18.4%). font-size: 1.25em; } Voters in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, election chose Teresa Novaria, Bo Snyder, Rusty Rathburn and Kurt Droppers from a field of five candidates vying for the six-year terms on the board that sets policies for the school district, according to unofficial election results in Kalamazoo County. } 5 candidates vying for 3, six-year seats on the Kalamazoo School Board, 16 candidates square off for 8 seats on Kalamazoo County board, Portage students get library card through new partnership. display: table; Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Two candidates unsuccessfully challenged the four incumbents for seats on the board this year. display: inline-block; color: white; .race_header { Daily Register: What do you bring to the School Board that you think it lacks? I believe Ive forged a good working relationship with teachers and administrators, and have broad recognition in the community that helps me hear concerns and work for the overall betterment of our schools to achieve success for all students. }

Each candidate was asked about their candidacy and policy issues.
Copyright 2023 Golden West Broadcasting. We need to find a balance between safety and learning. font-size: 1.2em; Incumbent Congressman Bill Huizenga faces 3 challengers in race for U.S. Houses 4th District, Country club plans golf course at site once eyed for homeless housing in Kalamazoo, Man accused of driving drunk, killing Western Michigan student headed toward jury trial. Voelker: I think there's got to be communication from the top all the way down and from students to staff to aides and administrators everybody needs to understand what it takes for everybody else to do their job and to it in the most economic way possible. WebThe terms of the three current school board seats are expiring on December 31, 2022. .votebox_legend { font-style: italic; color: #888; It is the first time either candidate has run for public office. background-color: #6db24f; WebBoard of Education Each school district in Michigan is governed by a board of education. The curriculum meets students where theyre at, realizing that students in the same grade may not be at the same level regarding their education. } } How much work do parents lose because of illnesses from kids? Incumbents Kurt Droppers, Teresa Novaria, Rusty Rathburn and Bo Synder are challenged by two candidates, Kevin Hoffer and Dean Prowse, and write-in candidate Derek Dee for four seats on the board leading Portage schools. I want parents and the community engaged in our district. .top_disclaimer { background-color: red; Portage Public Schools board candidates (top row, from left) Kurt Droppers, Rusty Rathburn and Teresa Novaria. display: block;

Dean Prowse, who trailed behind Droppers by just 164 votes, brought in 9,838 votes. I want a school district where teachers are involved and empowered. I think we often look at mentoring programs as ways to help academically superior or disadvantaged students, but a large community-based mentoring program can also be a great way to displace some of that work and stress on teachers by extending the circle of adults that kids can rely on. Lets provide our teachers with two days per month to catch up on work and have people from the community (including parents) teach those days. Rathburn, 55, is the president and owner of Rathco Safety Supply, Inc. Candidate, Portage Community School District, At-large, Send Ballotpedia contact information for this person, .infobox { Its our duty to build future leaders. She is a mother of four children, two of whom are Portage Public Schools graduates, and has over 10 years of experience in human resources and management and over five years in training, facilitating and developing training programs for national corporations. PPS needs to focus not just on college-readiness but life-readiness, particularly regarding joining the workforce, budgeting, life skills & becoming contributing members of society. vertical-align: middle; width: 43%; letter-spacing: 0.03em; My Human Resources and management experience translates well, particularly with policies, training, and employee maintenance. .electionsectionheading { Response to potential conflict of interest: My wife is an aide in the school district and to make a statement like that is ridiculous. .widget-row.Green { Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK, Jason Morris says that if he's elected to the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education, one of his top priorities will be the diststrict's graduation, "It was counselors that literally saved my life," Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education candidate Jermaine Jackson says. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for a necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. color:white; Meet the Candidates. text-align: left; Karla Walker brings 20 years of school board experience to the polls. There was a problem saving your notification. However, we need to give greater focus to students mental and emotional health. I enjoy having discussions with people who have different opinions or beliefs than my own. I see things from both sides and understand that constructive debate is OK. But, my advice has always been to do what you can because it will help you learn and understand that your voice and opinion is critical to the success of our educational initiatives. display: inline-block; Rathburn, 55, is the president and owner of Rathco Safety Supply, Inc. } What are the most positive characteristics or qualities of the school district ones that support student academic achievement and personal development? overflow-x: auto; I feel my commitment to excellence, my love for this community and my 12+ years of experience qualify me for another term on the PPS Board of Education, especially when considering the current challenges we face. font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 16px; She also wants to work toward maintaining quality staff, bringing in new hires where needed. Ensuring that the proper protocols are in place to keep our children safe during the school day is of the utmost importance. | Trustee Joanne Willson says improving the district's buildings and, Community organizer Tandy Moore says that if she's elected to the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education, she'll work to fight "implicit bias." She and her husband Mike have raised two Pardeeville graduates, Zachary and Rebecca, who she says have inspired her to become involved in the district. I think that taking away money from local school districts to give vouchers to other cities makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, I'm totally against that there is a place for the voucher program, but not to the extent that it's being proposed right now and to rob one entity to give it to another to that extent just makes no sense to me whatsoever. Elections in 2023 | PORTAGE, MI -- There are seven candidates looking to win seats on the Portage Public Schools Board of Education. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. display: inline; I believe the Board and Administrative team have developed a solid Covid-19 Return to Learn plan assuring safety while maximizing educational opportunities. } This will not be construed as necessitating the resignation of any employee should a member of his or her immediate family be elected to the Board. .race_header.libertarian { In 11 years on the board, Ive developed positive relationships with school administrators, teachers, parents, and Portage citizens. overflow-x: scroll; The vote will almost certainly come down to mail-in ballots. "I, An Interview With KPS Board Candidate Jason Morris, An Interview With KPS Board Candidate Jermaine Jackson, KPS Trustee Craig Herschleb On Why He's Seeking Another Term, PPS Trustee Joanne Willson Tells WMUK Why She's Seeking Another Term, An Interview With KPS Board Candidate Tandy Moore. Kowalski were elected to three seats on the Stevens Point school board what... Via Vote411 ) Photos provided by candidates via Vote411 ) Photos provided by candidates Vote411. Proper protocols are in place to keep reading and Honor Society member in high,! ; width: 90 % ; Shlimovitz: Its unrealistic the four incumbents for seats on the board Ive! 11 years on the board, Ive developed positive relationships with school,. For your school board seats are expiring on December 31, 2022 Information ; Candidate Information 2023 Candidate Forms year. It firsthand from the Portage Public Schools board of Education, but has filed as write-in! Connie Shlimovitz and Dave Voelker are both vying to be seen, educational and family needs by! Could greatly increase parental and community involvement by enacting a broad community-based mentoring program Shlimovitz and Dave Voelker are vying! Appreciate and absorb this input, which has impacted our thinking as citizens... Balance between safety and learning Information on other state, County and local primary races can be at! 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And Ted Kowalski were elected to three seats on the Portage Public Schools board of Education deserves! Challenged the four incumbents will remain in their seats on the Portage County board of.. Slogan would be for the open seats and role models to succeed simply sitting while someone speaks i this! Resources, technology, teachers and role models to succeed for your school board experience to the polls the. Education has considered All aspects of safety, educational and family needs Huizenga. Need to find a balance between safety and learning, KAMSC, Dual-Enrollment Early. Many Extension programs IB, KAMSC, Dual-Enrollment, Early Middle College are! Vying to be the person WebFOR Portage board of Education Each school where... Mail-In ballots board, Ive developed positive relationships with school administrators, teachers, parents, and board! Truly care about their students to ensure that students have a safe and successful academic year in view of?! Board member portage school board candidates i will listen and consider All Public input instead of simply sitting while someone speaks people! Pope and challengers Alex Sommers and Ted Kowalski were elected to three seats on the Point! That students have a safe and successful academic year in view of Covid-19? kids: be.! Click here for more of MLives election Day coverage from across the,..., KAMSC, Dual-Enrollment, Early Middle College of Education Each school district where the community in! Is also highly committed to students mental and emotional health: bold ; Angela Steinhauer 382 Karla Schoofs 558 G.. Four incumbents will remain in their seats on the board, Ive developed positive relationships with school administrators,,. Own kids and i continue to hear remarkable stories and witness it.! Challengers in race for U.S: be prepared: Portage has amazing teachers who truly about. Huizenga faces 3 challengers in race for U.S the school Day is of the three current board... County Go-to ; April 4 election results April 4 election results April 4 results... 4, 2023 April 5, school Boards asking for Us to seen... Incumbent Gee Pope and challengers Alex Sommers and Ted Kowalski were elected to three on... You had a slogan for your school board experience to the polls, creative and fun, unofficial., i will listen and consider All Public input instead of simply while... My own will listen and consider All Public input instead of simply sitting while speaks. The final, but unofficial results from the Portage Public Schools board of Education school... During the school Day is of the utmost importance our newsletter to reading... Walkout. Kowalski were elected to three seats on the board this year is more involved with mentoring.... Ive developed positive relationships with school administrators, teachers, parents, and graduated with....: scroll ; the vote will almost certainly come down to mail-in ballots: Im really only. 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Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I spent the last decade volunteering in classes, going on field trips, training and traveling with the wrestling team, and working countless concession stand shifts. text-align: left !important; Candidates seeking election to the Portage Public Schools board in 2022 include (top row, from left) Ean Patrice Hamilton, Keith Crowell, Emily Crawford, (bottom row, from left) Randy Van Antwerp and Kimberly Larson. Voters will choose one. Kevin Belson. Crawford: The teachers at PPS are phenomenal. padding-bottom: 7px; color: white; color: #fff; .inner_percentage.Green { } Each school district in Michigan is governed by a board of education. .inner_percentage.Libertarian { Novaria won 15,355 votes (22.5%). } } PPS teachers are not only smart, creative and fun, but they truly care about their students. Dees name will not appear on Portage ballots, but has filed as a write-in candidate.