Posted on Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 2:52 a.m.
Ypsilanti school board vice-president upset by newcomer
By David Jesse
Ypsilanti school board Vice-President Linda Snedacar-Horne was voted off the school board Tuesday, trailing the sitting president and a challenger.
Ellen Champagne, who had been endorsed by the teachers union, garned 3,500 votes, while incumbent board President David Bates got 3,223.
Horne received 2,760. Another challenger, Eric P. Temple, finished in fourth place with 2,658 votes.
Comments
eastsidemom
Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
The district has had too much space for it's population since they have closed Fletcher (Many years ago)...so David's Board was right on with this difficult decision. braves 03-you needed last weekends rally for civility for sure..such mean spirited words, considering the kindness David has shown in helping w/ transportation over the years. We look forward to Ellen's tenure and hope for her independence from all factions. I think this is why those who know her voted for her. These are tough times and ignorance from the constituency is unhelpful at best.
KatiePJ
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.
Why can't we all just get along? All board members (and administration and union folks) have their strengths and weaknesses. Can we just leave it at that? Maybe if we all got on the same page about things we wouldn't be in this mess. Please let's try working together for once. I am so sick of all the name calling. I thought maybe that would end once the election was over.
ypsipride
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.
That's probably a good question for Kelly Powers to answer.
missypsi
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
I was new to the district when the school closures happened last year, and I thought they were a terrible idea. And Bates and Horne were behind them all the way. Its my understanding that the district has lost children as a result of the closures, as many who fought them predicted, and that this loss represents a bigger net financial loss (in terms of state funding) than the board predicted. Perhaps some intrepid reporter with AA.com could find out if this is true. I think we were supposed to save 480,000 by closing an elementary school. If we lost 70 kids (at 7,000 each), this year, that would wipe out the "savings" and then some. But the bigger point is that Bates and Horne were very unresponsive to parents, and they paid the price (Champagne got more votes than Bates, and she didn't have signs all over Normal Park like he did!). Other board members, like Devaney, were downright disrespectful and rude. I personally witnessed Devaney insult a parent at an open public forum. She will be the next to go if she doesn't learn that she serves the PEOPLE not the administration. So I guess my question is, are we out of the hole yet, after getting rid of 24 teachers, and closing schools. If not, why not?
Average Joe
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 9:58 a.m.
@Alain Danielou, if you think Berman's ideas are intelligent (what are they even?) then I'll take you calling me average as a huuuuge compliment. Thanks! As far as Champagne she will be under the microscope so good luck to her as we (the community) will be watching and listening. As far as Fanta and Berman being progressive (how many years has Fanta been on the board and what has he accomplished?) and your stats (the eligible kindergartners and employees being fired) where are you getting this information? Maybe you should have run for school board if you have all the answers. Or are you employed by the district so you can't....?
Dante Marcos
Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 7:39 a.m.
Average Joe, these ideas you express are indeed average. Berman and Fanta happen to be the progressive caucus at the school board. Thanks to the other caucus, about 70 percent of eligible Ypsilanti kindergartners went this year to charters or other non-YPSD schools. What does that tell you about Bates's tenure? Additionally, please don't forget that Bates and his conservative caucus have earned a reputation for belittling and demeaning those who fight for change; while, on the other hand, rubberstamping everything the Head Office throws their way. Schools have been closed, employees fired, jobs outsourced to corporations...... the school district and board are in desperate need of new leadership. If Champagne is half as intelligent and open-minded as Berman, there's hope.
Average Joe
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 4 p.m.
@braves03, that was uncalled for. One could say the same thing about Berman voting Fanta's way all the time. It will be interesting to see if Champagne will be another one to follow that pied piper or will she have a voice of her own. As for who needs to go next it is Fanta. Good thing his seat is up next year. Considering Bates just got re-elected doesn't the district have him for 4 more years?
braves03
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.
Linda Snedacar-Horne needed to go. Now Bates won't have anyone to follow him around and vote his way all the time. I guess all the rides around town that Bates provided for Linda didn't help her get votes! Bates needs to go next!!