As Charley would say ..... "Winning!"

I am very excited! This was my first run for public office and I won. My term begins in July. Thank you to everyone who supported me. I do appreciate the support. The run was not about politics...it was and is about our kids and their future.

Election day is upon us!

Tomorrow is May 3rd! Be sure to exercise your right to vote!

Remember- a vote for Angie is a vote for Mimi!

Thank you for your support!

Endorsement

I am very excited to announce I received a letter today stating I am being endorsed by the Kentwood Education Association/Political Action Committee.

Their blog:
http://kentwoodea.blogspot.com

want one? I have 'em!

Email me if you would like a sign- I deliver! A vote for Angie is a vote for Mimi!
aforton1@gmail.com

Catch the candidates on tv!

If you are interested in who is running for what on May 3rd- here are the times of recorded interviews:

WKTV Government Channel - Comcast Channel 26
and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99:

Monday April 25 6:30pm
Wednesday April 27 6:30pm
Friday April 29 6:30pm
Saturday April 30 12:30pm
Monday May 2 6:30pm

MLIVE Article

MLIVE article re:
The state Education Department is highlighting 25 West Michigan schools – including four in Grand Rapids – as among 109 saluted for “beating the odds” by demonstrating success despite “traditional barriers to academic achievement.”

Kentwood was among those honored!

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/04/four_grand_rapids_schools_on_s.html#cmpid=v2mode_be_smoref_face

Q & A time

I was asked today about the following questions. Rather than reinvent the wheel- I will just copy and paste!

1) Motivations- I have two elementary aged boys in the district- 3rd and 4th grade at Meadowlawn. My third boy is a toddler but he'll be joining his brother's soon enough. I have been very active in their education. There has been a significant change to our special education program this year in our district. This really peaked my interest in becoming more involved. Both older boys have varying special needs so not only am I concerned for the general education population being successful and independent but the special education population as well. Not only is this a challenge for our educators but a culture change for everyone involved. It is also a great opportunity to build better relationships, create tolerance/understand and produce more inclusive and mindful students.

2) Board's role/responsibilities- I feel my role, should I be elected, is liaison. I feel there can and should be more parent involvement in what goes on with our district. I feel the board members should be very much in touch with what the educators are struggling with (tools for teaching, social obstacles, budget effects etc) and what the parents view as needed and necessary. I have spent my entire career in Human Resources. I worked at Steelcase for 13 years. I understand the need for common goals, trust, and communication. Without these three, it doesn't matter what our budget is. Our growth and success is stunted if we don't work together to ensure our children have meaningful, independent, and successful adult lives.

3) Tenure and terminations: Having been in HR for several years, I firmly believe in the teachable moment. When a member of the group is not performing to ability and standard, I believe it is vital to the success of the whole team to bring the issues to light and engage in conversation. Goals should be set and agreed upon.

4) Endorsements: no political parties have endorsed me and I have not asked any groups to support me. 3 members of the current school board said I have their support.

5) my goals if elected:

work closely with parents, educators, administration and community to discover cost cutting measures that do not adversely impact our children's education

continue to support the integration of special education with general education- supporting both the culture and ensuring educators and parents have what they need to be successful

work on committees to engage parent and educator communication - increasing participation in our PTC's

fully support common core - ensuring the educators have the understanding and tools they need and ensure parents are fully informed about the how's and why's of the program