S chool
a ctions
Is there a place for prayer
in the public schools?
What issues are most pressing in
your district, and how would you
address those issues?
In your opinion,
what is the best way to adequately
fund our public schools?
* R. Gilmore did not respond.
The current system of funding our schools has left us in a pre-
carious position for the future. With the current method of fund-
ing on the state level, we are faced with the proposition of having
allocations per student being on a fixed amount, with the possi-
bility they could be lowered depending upon spending habits, even
those of people who are merely visitors to our state. There is a
limit on what we can continually ask of the residents within our
community. I believe that the best way to assure the funding of
our schools in the future is to search out and explore every op-
tion that presents itself. I'd initiate this by forming a task force of
business, school, civic and city leaders to take the initiative to set
concrete objectives and time frames. Their goals would include
ways not only to raise revenues but also ways to contain costs.
A major issue I have with the district is the overall development of
our children as not only complete students but as complete per-
sons. The Profile of a Graduate, designed by the strategic plan-
ning commission, is a tremendous role model for all to ascribe to.
To become the self-directed learners and problem solvers, decision
makers and effective communicators called for, we must require
the utmost accountability from those responsible for educating those
children. In doing so, we, the parents, must give our full coopera-
tion to produce not only the above, but also a caring contributing
member of society. I would therefore espouse a critical look at the
way parents and teachers interact and develop a way to increase
and strengthen that interaction, being ever vigil of the ongoing
process.
By definition, a public school is just that, an institution of learn-
ing, open to the public. As such, I feel that the public school sys-
tem is not an appropriate forum for expression of religion as
demonstrated by public prayer. Although, as a reference for in-
formation and understanding, I believe that the religious history
of various cultures and groups should be taught as a matter of
education. I do not believe that any individual's religious beliefs
should be suppressed in any manner. At the same time, the pub-
lic school setting is not one where they need be brought in a re-
ligious setting.
The community tax format is the best. But the city must remem-
ber that it is a stake in the educational system.
Emotional Quality. Financial Funding. Community Building. We must
work as school board officials to educate the community on each
of these issues and vote! We must incorporate business partner-
ships and community forums.
Yes. To turn your back to God is to be cursed. Torah - Deuteron-
omy 7:4 and 11:28.
*Bruce H. Tobin did not respond.
Prior to the passage of Proposal A, West Bloomfield was an out-
of-formula district—meaning we were responsible for our own des-
tiny with regards to funding. While this was ideal, it is no longer
the case. Today, we are an in-formula district, and dependent on
the state for financing (which leads into my response to the fol-
lowing question).
Communication is the answer. We maintain a very close contact with
our representatives in the House and Senate. We are in touch with
what is happening in Lansing, and also making sure our represen-
tatives are aware of our concerns and needs. Communicating with
the residents in our district will ensure their support in fulfilling our
needs and indirectly benefit us all.
What issues are most pressing for OCC,
and how would you
address those issues?
The law with respect to prayer in public schools is very specific. I
do believe that as we are a growing multi-cultural district, we need
to teach understanding and respect of each other. We must learn
to live together, to learn together and to grow together.
What role, if any, do you think diversity
education should play at OCC?
*Marguerite Fitzsimmons Walker H did not respond.
\Th
One of the high priority issues is to reconstruct the image of the college
and establish an atmosphere of trust between chancellor, administration,
staff, faculty and the public. Another priority is to develop and implement a
strategic plan for the college into the next century. The public-image prob-
lem needs to be addressed immediately. I've had community and political ex-
perience working with diverse factions on complex issues and projects. I
believe that I will be able to restore "objective" decision making to the board
level. I believe that if the current divisions on the board and in the commu-
nity continue, it will have an adverse impact. A capital plan for expenditure of
the millage funds needs to address renovation of existing buildings; upgrading
and purchasing of modem instructional technology; improvements and mod-
ernization of the mechanical, electrical and air-handling systems; repair and
replacement of roofs, parking lots and pedestrian walkways.
One of the main objectives of education is to allow the students to explore
cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. I believe that it is important that each
student should be exposed to a wide range of experiences and differing view-
points. There should be an effort by the college to include minorities in out-
reach programs, similar to the program between 0.C.C. and Pontiac's Central
and Northern high schools. This program provides 50 pre-senior teens with
mid-range grade-point averages the opportunity to experience college class-
es while earning transferable college credit. Likewise, the hands-on work-
study program, in which students earn credit while studying and working in
a foreign country, are valuable lessons in cultural understanding. Provi-
sions for students with disabilities, access to classes and instructional equip-
ment should be a top priority. Innovative faculty members, like Wallace Smith,
should be encouraged to design new programs.
The budget and managing the finances are two important issues. I would like
to see the college secure maintenance of building and grounds, provide ap-
propriate teaching staff and research for the facility and initiate quality edu-
cational programs. Another issue is to maintain adequate student and faculty
representation to address the board in shaping new policies and procedures.
I would encourage a review of the academic programs campus wide to en-
sure re-accreditation in the next two years. I would also work to build a work-
ing relationship with community businesses and the automotive industry. I
would work vigorously to assist in securing funds for scholarships as well
as jobs in the community for college graduates.
With the advent of new technologies, inventions, discoveries, innovations and
a more computerized society in the 21st century, the necessity of a thorough,
diverse education will be paramount. Therefore, diversity education should
play a significant role at OCC. Courses should be offered to meet the grow-
ing needs and demands of all students. Different choices must be available
for the preparation of a successful life.