No I do not. However, to be fair, the Bible is being used in one elective ELA course offering. The course that is being offered is an elective, Biblical Literature. The Bible is being studied as literature, not historical fact. There isn't a sermon or homily and this isn't a "church service". I have...
Category: QUESTION ANSWERS
Instead Of A Full Consolidation, Why Not Consolidate Administrations?
Of course - that could happen (eventually) and YES - that would save money for Tipton and Tri-Central, if Tri-Central and Tipton are both willing to explore this option. In this situation we are assuming both schools would be willing to merge like Frankton and Lapel merged. They maintain their individual campuses and have one...
If I Oppose The Referendum, Does That Make Me An “Enemy” Instead Of A Friend Of The Schools?
***Note -- This has more or less been asked of me three times since the Pork Festival. One person is a retired TCSC teacher. Two are parents of current students. To answer your question as directly as I can, NO - if you are opposed to the referendum, in my opinion that does not...
If I Vote For You, Will You Insist That Teaching Cursive Handwriting Comes Back To Our Schools?
I can't bring it back, because it has never left. TCSC students have always been taught how to write in cursive in elementary school.
What Are The Biggest Issues Teachers Face And How Can The Board Help?
In talking with a sampling of teachers who work at Tipton, here is what I see as the biggest concerns they face: Student behavior and discipline. Time deficits. Feeling heard and appreciated. I feel like members of the Board should consistently encourage principals and teachers to follow the discipline policies that each building...
Be Straight Up — Do You Favor OR Oppose The TCSC Referendum?
Whether or not I am in favor or oppose the referendum is irrelevant. I'm not a current Board member. I didn't sit in on the executive sessions with paid referendum consultant Steven Klink. I wasn't polled by Steven Klink in the "Tipton Polling Data". Steven Klink didn't advise me on how to get this...
From Your First Term On The Board, What Is One Decision You Are Proud Of & One You Regret?
The decision that I am most proud of is easy. In the spring of 2019 (my first year on the Board), Superintendent Kevin Emsweller came to us and said he wanted to eliminate one fourth grade classroom for the 2019-20 school year. (This wouldn't have resulted in a reduction in force. That teacher would have...
What’s Your Take On The Highs School Rankings Everybody Is Bragging About?
I am a firm believer in -- you can make numbers look just about any way you want them to look. Statistics can be "manipulated" and facts can be omitted. NOT EVERYTHING that makes a school can be measured. That said, what people are referring to is a ranking that came out this summer...
Paying Students For “Perfect” Attendance.
It has been in the news recently that Detroit Public Schools Community District is launching for the second year their "Perfect Attendance Pays" initiative for students in their middle and high schools. They have noticed that attendance in the winter months falls off dramatically compared to first semester and the spring months. For every week...
Who Is Endorsing You?
That is a great question, which leads me to my philosophy that school boards SHOULD BE non-partisan. I don't want, and will not accept endorsements from organizations. I will not actively ask people to endorse me. I have been asked to endorse candidates in previous elections. I have always been uncomfortable when asked to...