8 candidates apply for open Ann Arbor school board seat
Eight candidates have filed to run for the vacant seat on the Ann Arbor school board, including a few who applied for a prior opening last fall.
The candidates include Jack Panitch, Andy Thomas, Susan Collet, Christine Stead, James Corey, Margy Long, Victoria Haviland, and Jeff Sabatini.
They have applied to fill the position vacated by Adam Hollier, who resigned effective Feb. 12.
The term expires on Dec. 31.
The last vacancy occurred in November, when Helen Gates-Bryant resigned and was ultimately replaced by Simone Lightfoot.
During that process, Panitch, Thomas, Stead and Long also applied and were among a pool of seven candidates.
Applicants for the newest post will be interviewed by school board members on March 8 and then make brief public statement at the March 10 meeting. The board expects to choose the new member at the same meeting.
Comments
KeepingItReal
Mon, Feb 22, 2010 : 2:35 p.m.
The code words used to described Margy Long qualifications to be appointed to the vacant board position basically says that she will not rock the boat. That board need someone who will rock the boat, who will ask those questions that may irritate the administration and other board members but are being ask in the best interest of the students and the taxpayers of this community. It seems that advocacy is fast becoming a lost art form in this community and the go along approach is whats acceptable. I would recommend Kathy Griswold to fill this vacancy. She's a real advocate.
netwit
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.
We need someone who will look at the facts and then make a proper judgment on school affairs. A person who understands laissez faire should not ocurr in government on any level. The safety of our kids is just as important as the good education that they recieve and I beleive that decision should go to a qualifeid individual,not someone looking to make a fast buck. @stunhsif some people forget where they come from. We all are from working class people and some people make it up the hill faster than others.
mmouradian
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.
Mr Stunhtlf, Its easy to say "unions" In the future replace the word "unions" for "American Worker". As in let's pay those American Workers less.-- or-- "and get the American Worker to the bargaining table."
dougfroma2
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.
I heard Bob Grunzel is available. Maybe he came provide the same level of service? that he did for Washtenaw County.
SuperFreckleFace
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.
Andy Thomas would be an excellent addition to the school board. I disagree that he would be a "thorn". He is an extremely reasonable person and a would be a complement to the existing board. I am confident in his dedication to AAPS.
stunhsif
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 10:06 a.m.
we need someone from the private sector that knows how to balance a budget, and get the unions to the bargaining table. We don't need more board members who are beholden to the unions and trying to keep the status quo.
a2st
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 9:37 a.m.
I agree that Margy Long would be a fabulous board member. In addition to the qualifications that Dr. I. Emsayin mentioned, Margy has two daughters at Pioneer. Margy has been involved in school PTO groups for years. She started a service group at Eberwhite to assist families in crisis, especially around the holidays. Margy truly looks to the big picture and how each decision will impact all students and families.
Nerak
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.
I agree completely. She'd be outstanding, and a real team-builder.
Dr. I. Emsayin
Sat, Feb 20, 2010 : 7:59 a.m.
Margy Long has worked as an executive director of a non-profit for many years. She is able to work with people, is bright, thoughtful, articulate and does not have an agenda or axe to grind. She knows Lansing's politics and would be a breath of fresh air on the Board of Education. How about picking this level headed person for the position this time, she was in the final round last time.
DonBee
Fri, Feb 19, 2010 : 10:02 p.m.
Having met Andy Thomas, I would agree, he would be a good pick and a thorn in some people's sides. In the long run it would be very good for AAPS. I thank all of the candidates for applying. It is a thankless job, so here is my thanks in advance.
Grumpy
Fri, Feb 19, 2010 : 8:02 p.m.
Seems like Andy Thomas would be a good pick. But I imagine he could be a thorn in the board's and Todd Roberts' side so he probably has no shot. I would like to know if Mr. Thomas would be willing to demand the board follow in the footsteps of the even bigger bureaucracy in town by releasing the raw financial data as the city just did a few days ago.