When Stephen Hyer was elected in 2001, some trustees were on Clarkston Board of Education longer than he was alive.
‘Janet Thomas had 26 years on the board,? said Hyer, who was 22 years old at the time. ‘That’s a lot of experience.?
Now after two four-year terms and into his third as board president, he would be the board’s senior member, if reelected.
‘We always need new ideas, but we need stability as well,? he said. ‘I have experience with routine items such as millage rates, personnel, schools of choice. We have a plan for just about everything.?
Clarkston doesn’t have a rubber-stamp board, though, he said.
‘We take the time to go through things. We have a process,? he said. ‘All board members express their views, and we hammer it out.?
School issues such as student learning and achievement affect the entire community, he said.
‘For me, it’s all about the kids,? he said. ‘I’m not on the board to get excited about the budget, but to make the school system the best it can be.?
Money is the district’s biggest challenge. State funding does not keep pace with contracted pay increases, health care, retirement, inflation, and other costs, he said.
‘We make the best of what we’re given,? he said. ‘We advocate in Lansing and keep the lines of communication open.?
He’s proud of the district’s lean administration, and building an effective program through new programs, not just budget cuts, he said.
‘Every student is different, with a unique style of learning,? he said. ‘We give as many options to choose from.?
Students can choose from International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and CSM Tech, as well as the regular curriculum, he said.
‘I have been fortunate to serve the board as president for two years,? he said. ‘I look forward to using my experience as we go forward. It’s a chance to give back. I live in a phenomenal community.?
Rescheduling school elections to November still needs careful consideration, he said.
‘The decision is irreversible, by state law,? he said. ‘There would be no going back.?
November elections would save money, but would increase advertising costs as well as political pressure, he said.
‘Voters who show up to make educational decisions in May have the best interest of schools and community in mind,? he said. ‘May elections tend to be less partisan ? it would be easier to buy an election in November.?
The next deadline for making the decision is December, so other decisions should take priority, he said.
‘I’d rather spend time on student achievement. That would be best for kids,? he said.
‘We only have a limited time. Political issues are not as effective a use of time,? he said.

Helping out at Andersonville Elementary School two years ago, Michelle Beck saw effects budget cuts have in the classroom first-hand.
She didn’t like them.
‘The district lost a math enrichment person, a reading enrichment person ? large drastic cuts,? said Beck, running for Clarkston Board of Education, her first elected position. ‘I think it’s really time for a change in our school district. If I don’t get involved, I have no room to complain.?
If elected, she would enforce fiscal responsibility and look to the district’s surplus, its fund balance, as one way to avoid future cuts.
‘If you have surplus money, why are you making cuts,? she said. ‘I’d look into ways to save money.?
She questions justifications for maintaining a fund balance of about 10 percent of total revenue.
‘The answer is that the money is needed for emergencies, but what would be an emergency,? she asked.
The district has about $6.6 million in reserve.
‘That’s a lot,? she said. ‘The school district is doing the best it can, but don’t hold onto a bunch of money while you’re cutting back. The school board approved $500,000 for roof work ? is it necessary??
She would also focus on curriculum to help children get a better education, she said.
‘More focus on the elementary level,? she said. ‘Elementary builds the foundation ? start at the elementary level to help students reach new state graduation requirements. If we’re making cuts, how can they get a good education??
She supports rescheduling school elections in November.
‘It would save money,? she said. ‘There are pros and cons, with so much going on in November. But in May, not many people vote.?
Students would be her main priority, she said.
‘I work for the kids. I’m not interested in status or titles,? she said. ‘I stand up to the crowd and I’m not influenced by political system.?
Beck grew up in Davisburg and lives there with her husband, Todd, and their three children. In addition to raising her family, she worked in aviation for 10 years as a flight attendant for the Detroit Pistons organization.
She is certified in early childhood education, and taught preschool for two years.
‘I love the area, the small towns of Clarkston and Davisburg,? she said.
She has 12 years experience volunteering in Clarkston schools PTOs, PTAs, classrooms, cafeteria, Fun Runs, and other activities.
‘I did it all,? she said.
She also helps out with Clarkston Chiefs, Northern Youth Football League, Mt. Zion church as deacon, and school district sports.
‘Clarkston sports are huge and successful,? she said. ‘I want education to be on the same level.?