School board candidate forum set for next Monday, Oct. 29

The Manchester Ladies Society will be hosting a forum of school board candidates next Monday, Oct. 29  from 7 to 8:30 pm, in the Media Center of Riverside Intermediate School, located at 710 East Main Street. Everyone is invited to attend and hear the candidates answer questions, including those asked by audience members. It is a great way to decide who to vote for on the November 6th ballot. Each of the candidates has submitted a photograph and a short candidate statement to allow voters to gain a basic familiarity with their experience with, interests in and position on the issues facing the school district.

Candidate statements and photos, in alphabetical order:

Michael Austin

First and foremost I am the parent to three children in the district (two at Riverside Intermediate School and one at the Middle/High School). In addition to having children in the district I began serving on the District School Improvement Team 8 years ago. Serving on the District School Improvement Team is what led me to run for the school board four years ago.

The job of the school board members is a huge responsibility, ultimately responsible for the education of the students in the district. It’s been a learning experience being on the board and having to make tough decisions about the direction of the district. Through this experience I've grown as a school board member in understanding finances, policy, my place as a board member, and how to work with a great group of fellow board members and administrators.

Over the last four years the district has faced many challenges. As a part of working through these challenges the board has developed a strategic plan, streamlined and updated policies, rightsized the district (in staffing and buildings), and put the district on a more solid financial footing. Through the leadership of our and administration and dedication of our teachers and staff I feel we have really turned the corner and are moving in the right direction.

Although we as a district will continue to face the challenges of a small district I am confident that the district is in a position to provide the best educational opportunities for the students and community. I am proud to work with this board and want to continue to be a part of these exciting times, positive direction the district is moving in.

All my experiences aside, nothing means more to me than my role as a father and wanting the very best education possible for my children. The focus should be on what is best for the kids, always.

Kim Blumenstein

My name is Kim Blumenstein and I am running for a board member seat. In October of 2017, I was chosen out of 5 candidates to fill a vacancy on the board. My time on the board has been an amazing learning experience. In that time there have been a lot of chances to see how things work and how changes are made, one of them being the hiring process of our new superintendent, Nick Steinmetz. Before being chosen, I had been steadily attending board meetings prior to this as well as being a member of the Transition team when the middle school was closed. I wanted to help the teachers and students as much as I could.

Some background on myself: I come from a military family and as such, moved around my entire childhood. I've lived all over the United States as well as Europe and attended both private and public schools. Fortunately, my parents made Michigan our home for my High school education. I also graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Humanities and Music. My further career adventures in this life have led me to over 20 years of experience of management, human resources, strategic financial planning and customer service. I believe all of this gives me a very unique viewpoint to bring to the board.

My family and I returned to Michigan 6 years ago. In 2015, we fell in love with Manchester and decided to put our roots down here. My husband, Evan and I have two daughters, one at Riverside in fourth grade and one at the jr/sr High in seventh grade. The teachers and staff were the deciding factor in remaining in Manchester.

I am committed to helping Manchester Schools. It takes a village and I believe I am the right candidate to assist the facilitation of learning that needs to be a joint effort of all parts: school board, students, parents, teachers, staff and the public.

Rebecca Harvey

My name is Rebecca Harvey and I am running for re-election to the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education. As the daughter of 2 educators, I have always been aware of the academic impact on students today and looking towards the future. As a mother of 3 children currently in the Manchester Community Schools and being an active volunteer in the schools, I am clearly aware of the specific academic environment in our district as well as the extracurricular activities like sports and robotics among many others that help make a well-rounded student.

My last 4 years on the Board of Education as a Trustee has taught me about the role of a Board member as well as the duties of every member within our district. I understand how the school system works and I have been working with my fellow Trustees to make this district as successful as possible by creating an environment that is best suited to our students.

I understand the situation that our district has faced and is facing. I have been part of the tough difficult decisions that have been made in our district the past 4 years. I’m looking forward to continue working with the community and the district to see the benefits and great impact these have had on this great school district.

After all the situations that have been presented over the past 4 years, and the decisions we have made regarding those issues, I would like to continue on the Board of Education to see it through and continue to provide the best education and experience for our students.

I look forward to your vote on November 6, 2018.

Michael J. Tindall

I am retired from Chrysler Proving grounds, with 31 years of service. I have 72 credit hours from Washtenaw Community College in Mechanical Engineering Technologies. I have 9 years experience as Energy Manager for Manchester Community Schools.

My wife Sally, myself, our daughter Courtney, and son Andrew all started school and graduated from Manchester Community Schools. My granddaughter Meghan currently is a 4th grader at Riverside school, and my grandson Carder is in Pre-School here in Manchester. I currently am a Co-Chairman of the Manchester Community Chicken Broil, and have volunteered for over 50 years with the broil and served in many areas of the broil. I currently serve on the Oak Grove Cemetery Board of Trustees as their Clerk.

While working as Energy Manager, I developed a much greater respect and appreciation for the faculty and staff here at Manchester Community Schools, and enjoyed working with the district. I understood one of the current school board members was considering not running for re-election to the board, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to run for the potential empty seat on the board.

I have shown a commitment to the community that I have lived in for the past 56 years, by volunteering in many ways, including several years on the Athletic Boosters, The Sesquicentennial celebration committee, and I am active in my church. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve my community as a member of the board of education.

I have no preconceived notions that I can and will “solve” anything that has been plaguing the district, but I can assure the members of the district that I will listen to all the facts of any issue that may arise, and make the best decision that I believe will benefit the district and the students.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.