Two applicants, one open school board seat and voters will decide the newest Clarkston School Board member on May 2.
Just before the deadline to apply expired on Feb. 7, both Joseph Armstrong and Renata Erickson filed applications to be on the ballot as candidates for school board membership during the upcoming election.
Secretary Shelia Hughes? current term will expire this year and she is not seeking reelection.
Erickson, 48, has been a resident of Clarkston for 19 years. After spending 20 years working in sales and marketing, Erickson transitioned to work in the educational community. She spent time working at St. Mary’s college before moving to Cooley Law School, located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, two years ago. Erickson current works as an administrative assistant to deans and directors.
‘It’s quite busy,? Erickson said about her work. ‘There are four directors and two deans, and it’s a refreshing place to be. I hate to sound like my parents, but you’ve got the young people every day, and it’s a lot more refreshing than any corporate environment that I’ve been in.?
Erickson and her husband Tom have two sons ? Trevor, who attends the University of Detroit Mercy and Evan, an eighth-grader at Clarkston Junior High School.
After reading about how nobody applied for the open seat, Erickson said she decided to get involved.
‘I think education is definitely a place that I would like to put my efforts,? she said.
In the past, Erickson served on the board of directors for the Women’s Advertising Club of Detroit for approximately eight years. Nearly a decade has passed since then, and Erickson said she took some time off from that type of work to raise her family, but now feels her children are older enough she can try again.
When discussing the Clarkston School Board, Erickson said she has never worked with any of the current board members or attended a meeting because she was always satisfied with the way thing were being handled. Erickson was on hand, however, at the Feb. 13 board meeting to introduce herself to the board.
‘I don’t have any complaints with the Clarkston schools,? she said. ‘I talk to a lot of my neighbors, kid’s friends, parents and some of them have complaints and I think you can’t have an impact where you’re not involved.?
At this time, Erickson said she does not have any specific goals to achieve if elected, but said she is hoping to bring a different viewpoint to the table and get more people involved in the discussion.
‘Whatever issues they have, we need to talk about them instead of people complaining on their own,? she said.
Erickson added she thinks people feel hesitant to bring their concerns forward and is hoping to reach out into the community so those concerns can be made known.
Looking forward, Erickson said she sees the biggest challenge facing the district to be community growth, and how to deal with overcrowding.
Challenging Erickson for the seat is Armstrong, 60, who is a resident of Springfield Township, and has lived in the Clarkston area for 30 years.
Armstrong and his wife Linda have four children ? Josh, 30; Troy, 28; Rachel, 26 and Tyler, 16. Tyler is currently a junior at Clarkston High School.
Though he lives in the Clarkston area, Armstrong worked as a teacher for the last 14 years at West Bloomfield High School. He is currently in charge of the school’s internship program which has students working in the real world while taking a class whose topic relates to the type of job they have.
Armstrong said he decided to apply for the Clarkston School Board after reading that the deadline was approaching and nobody else had.
‘It’s a pretty important position, somebody should apply. I talked it over with my wife. I’ve been in teaching, I’ve got a pretty good background in that area. I’ve served on North Central committees and started some new programs at the high school… so maybe I should do my civic duty and run. She agreed,? Armstrong said. He added over the years, he has worked with the North Central Association on Accreditation to evaluate his own high school and others.
Though he attended board meetings in the past, Armstrong said he has not been to any recently and is not on familiar terms with any of the current board members. Overall though, Armstrong said he is happy with the way things are.
‘I’m not running because I want to carry a torch on any particular issue, I’m happy with what I’ve read. But like I said, there was an opening, no one had applied and I thought that’s not right, somebody should and I thought I was qualified,? Armstrong said.
Armstrong said he is not anticipating any major challenges if elected, but would like to see more parental involvement when challenges come.
‘I can give you a top notch school, and there’d be no questions about it, if you’d let me select the parents… because if the parents are interested in what’s going on, you are going to get a good school,? he said.
‘I would encourage parents to get involved, get involved with teachers, go visit the school, see what’s going on. If there’s a teacher there that’s not performing like they should, I guarantee you if the parents started going and visiting the classroom… I would think the teacher would step up to the plate and do what they’re supposed to do… parent involvemnt is the key, I think.?
Armstrong said teachers are the pivotal part of any school, and having a background in teaching gives him an understanding of ideas that may look good on paper, but don’t translate well into the classroom setting.
Look in future issues of The Clarkston News for more information as the election draws closer.

Goodrich- Residents will soon have the opportunity to come out and meet their school board candidates.
From 7- 8:30 p.m. on April 30, at Goodrich High School, 8029 Gale Road, there will be a meet and greet for the four candidates running for the board. There are two seats available this term.
Each candidate will be given a chance to answer questions and present their platform.

Goodrich- Residents will soon have the opportunity to come out and meet their school board candidates.
From 7- 8:30 p.m. on April 30, at Goodrich Middle School, 7480 Gale Road, there will be a meet and greet for the four candidates running for the board. There are two seats available this term.
Each candidate will be given a chance to answer questions and present their platform.

Members of the public are invited to Oxford Village Council Candidates Night on Wednesday, August 29, at 7 p.m., in the Community Room at the Oxford Village offices (22 W. Burdick St.). The event is being co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Oakland Area and The Oxford Leader. Each candidate will be given two minutes in which to address the audience. A question-and-answer period will follow during which each candidate will be given one minute to repond to each question. Questions will be submitted in writing by audience members and presented by the moderator.

Residents are invited to participate in a “Meet the Candidates” program at the Orion Neighborhood Television studio on Feb. 25.
Candidates for the Lake Orion Village Council have been invited to introduce themselves and answer questions from the studio audience.
If you would like to participate, plan to arrive at the studio, 698 South Lapeer Road, in the OptimEyes Plaza by 7:15 p.m. The program will go live at 7:30 p.m.
Check the ONTV schedule for additional playback times. Call 248-693-3377 for more information.

A Candidates? Night Forum for the vacant Oakland County Commissioner District 3’s seat takes place May 1, 7 p.m. at the Orion Township Hall, lower level.
The public is invited to attend and ask questions of the candidates and the program will be televised live over the cable government channel.The evening is sponsored by the North Area Citizens Conference.
Contact Mary Ann Ryan at 248-391-2513 for nay further information.
The hall is located at 2525 Joslyn Road.
A special primary election to fill the seat is scheduled for May 13. The regular election is June 17.

Jeffrey Patrick Allsteadt, 29, 7210 Bluewater Condo #148, judicial law clerk, son of Patrick and Kathy Allsteadt and brother to two sisters with children.

Experience in school district activities:
Approved substitute teacher in Clarkston Schools for all grades, judge for the high school Destination Imagination team, chairperson of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance Mentors Plus program, board member for Clarkston Area Youth Assistance, judge for Clarkston Optimist oratorical contest

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
Yes, I support the ballot proposal. The renewal is for a 4.5-mill increase for 2003 to provide funds for operating costs. The 4.5 mills are a combination of .127 mill, which is a restoration of the Headlee reduction, and 4.4873 mills that expired with the 2002 tax levy. The advantage is that it adds $1.2 million to the schools. In my opinion there is no disadvantage to Clarkston taxpayers.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
Personally I support the ballot proposal. The advantage of the $83.7 million is that they will improve the schools for years to come in many ways. Some of the benefits reaped from the bond are six new classrooms at Pine Knob Elementary School and computers. At Sashabaw Middle School 24 new classrooms, technology improvements expanded cafetorium additional classrooms for art, music, science, and computer labs. This is just a few examples of how the bond money if it passes will help the Clarkston school district. The disadvantage is that although it does not increase taxes it does extend the current loans by six years. Clarkston taxpayers will have to decide for themselves if the consequence of extending the loans by six years is worth the benefit of improving the school system.

What is your position on ‘developmental days??
I strongly support the concept of developmental days. It is important for teachers to have the opportunity to continue to develop as a group. This is a new concept and the advantages/disadvantages should be looked at. I question the possibility of reworking the logistics of the concept so it does not interfere with class time as much, though.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
The biggest challenge facing the school district is the budget. In light of the state budget cuts, it is important that the school board take every step to retain money in the classroom first. If enough teachers do not retire or leave, then the school board may have to fire a few teachers. The result of this is increase class sizes, scheduling difficulties, loss of opportunities for our students.

Why should voters choose you from the field of candidates running for board of education?
The citizens of Clarkston should vote for me because I have a strong track record in the community working for kids. As a substitute teacher in the district I see things from a unique perspective. As chairperson of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance Mentors Plus I have made a difference in children’s lives. I believe public service is important. One way I can give back to my community is to serve on the Clarkston School Board. Voting for me is an investment in the principles of accountability, community vision, dedication, and determination to make our district even better for our kids.
Jean C. Dasuqi, 5315 Bronco, owner and operator of Lil? People’s Place Childcare Center, 19-year district resident, married with two children who are Clarkston High School graduates.

Experience in school district activities:
Clarkston Middle School Jr. Optimist adult leader, Pine Knob PTO, Sashabaw Middle School PTO, Athletic Booster, chairman of the After Games Pizza Party for 1997 season, chairman of the Food Committee for the 1998 All Night Graduation Party, cochairman of the After Games Pizza Party for the 1999 season, Decoration Committee of 2001 All Night Graduation Party

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
I support the ‘non-homestead? tax levy. If this is not renewed the district will lose a substantial amount of funding which will affect the quality of our children’s education. As property owners we need the reputation of our schools as an invaluable tool in maintaining the property values of the community that also insure the continual success of area business.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
Yes, I do support the bond issue. We need this bond to provide a solution to the overcrowding of all our schools.

What is your position on ‘developmental days??
I support the district’s developmental days. I do realize that it places an additional burden on the working families. But with the continual testing and assessment demands of ‘No Child Left Behind? and ‘Education Yes? it is imperative that we continue to maintain our standard of staff development, first to help teachers reach the assessment requirements that the act imposes and secondly, to help teachers maintain their creativity level so as not to become a district that teaches to a test.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston Schools?
Overcrowding is currently the most important issue facing our district. Passage of the bond will allow the district to continue to provide excellent education for our children.

Why should voters choose you from the field of candidates running for the board of education?
I am a long term resident of the Clarkston community with a strong commitment to the excellence of our school district. I will bring a passion for the education of children. My childcare business experience has given me an awareness of the needs of both families and teachers, and an understanding of budgets and financial issues. Also, I have endorsement from the Clarkston Education Association.
Sherri Kerby, 47, 5458 Ridge Trail North, administrative assistant with the Center for Executive and Continuing Education and the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, 12-year district resident, married with four children (including two currently at Clarkston High School).

Experience in school district activities:
Current: member of CHS PTSA, founding member and current president of the Academic Boosters of Clarkston. Previous: SMS PTA, CMS PTA, Bailey Lake PTA, chairman of groundskeeping committee, public relations vice president and computer room volunteer, career connections coordinator and senior party decorating committee (2002, 2003).

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
I definitely support it. I think the schools need that money.

Do you support the 83.7 million bond issue?
Yes. The bond issue will not increase the tax rate, but will extend the current debt levy by six years. The district will be able to renovate and add on to facilities in an effort to alleviate overcrowding.

What is your position on ‘developmental days??
Professional development is a key issue in every occupation, and teachers are no different. Since we require our teachers to expand their knowledge base through professional development, it is our responsibility to provide them with the means to accomplish this requirement. Developmental days make professional development for teachers possible without the need for excessive use of ‘guest? teachers and lost instructional time.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
Overcrowding. The proposed bond issue is essential to maintaining the quality of education in Clarkston by providing adequate space for all students. The passage of the non-homestead renewal is also important to maintain current funding.

Why should voters choose you from the field of candidates running for the board of education?
I am an advocate for children and their right to receive an appropriate education which will adequately prepare them for future careers. I feel that Michigan’s public schools should address the educational needs of every student as an individual. As a member of the Clarkston Board of Education, I will keep the needs of the students and the quality of their education as my primary consideration.
John W. Koval, 48, 6350 Almond Lane, firefighter/basic EMT with Bloomfield Twp. Fire Department, 19-year district resident, married with two daughters who are Clarkston High School graduates.

Experience in school district activities:
Over the years, I have participated in almost every activity my daughters have been involved in. I am currently president of the Clarkston Schools Instrumental Music Association (Band Boosters). I have held a position on the Executive Board in the CSIMA on several occasions over the past 10 years.

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
The full 18 mills were part of Proposal A which was voted for by the residents of the state of Michigan. Without the full amount the Clarkston schools will lose too much money from an already underfunded budget from the state. If we as a community wish to maintain our current quality of education afforded our students, this money is absolutely critical.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
I have spent many hours in some of the present buildings and have seen first hand the overcrowding situation that exists. I believe the plans by the current board and administration will alleviate these problems. I am convinced that these improvements are necessary and the only way to fund these projects is through a bond as there is not enough money in the general fund to accomplish this.

What is your position on ‘developmental days??
I would prefer that we have a regular and consistent school day as much as possible. However I realize the importance of continuing education for or educators and I also realize the importance of planning time for our teachers. I believe the quality of our curriculum will benefit directly from this time spent.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
The per pupil grant from the state of Michigan makes it increasingly difficult to maintain the quality of curriculum which is offered in Clarkston. I do not believe that school funding should be based on a vehicle which is subject to economic ups and downs. It should be of a more consistent nature.
Julie Maier, 42, 6061 Middle Lake Road, self-employed marketing-advertising consultant, lifelong district resident, married with two children attending Clarkston High School and Clarkston Middle School

Experience in school district activities:
Current: Student Opportunities Committee Member, Build a Bright Future Parent Committee, Clarkston Middle School 6th Grade Dance Committee, 6th Grade Camp and PTA Volunteer, Clarkston High School Varsity Cheerleading Volunteer
Previous: Clarkston Elementary PTO Volunteer

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
I support this ballot proposal because if the full 18 mills are not restored, Clarkston schools will lose approximately $1.6 million in funding for the next school year. Homeowners will not see an increase in their property taxes and by law, all districts are entitled to levy $18 mills on business, industrial and rental properties as well as second homes in the school district.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
Many people are concerned at the amount of this bond proposal. I want to assure the people that this bond proposal will not raise the current tax rate. And, as an elected school board official I will work diligently to ensure that monies are spent appropriately. That being said, I wholeheartedly support the bond issue because I think it accomplishes some very critical initiatives like reducing the overcrowding in the high school by moving 9th graders to CMS, creating an 8/9th grade building at CMS and a 6/7th grade building at SMS. I also support restoring the former CMS building to its original condition as it is a historic landmark in this community. Many other long-overdue capital improvements that otherwise would not be accomplished will also occur because of this bond.

What is your position on
‘developmental days??
This issue is complicated. Parents that I have spoken to are generally non-supportive of developmental days. The school administration maintains their necessity in order for Clarkston schools to make continuous improvements mandated by the state. I believe there is a compromise between the two parties that takes into consideration the issues expressed by parents, while also ensuring that Clarkston schools maintain a quality education for our children.
What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
Other than the ballot proposals mentioned above and developmental days, I think the biggest issue for Clarkston Schools is funding from the state. School funding is being reduced while expectations (No Child Left Behind, Education Yes) are being increased. The question is how to work within a limited budget to ensure our children receive the education they deserve.

Why should voters choose you from the field of candidates running for the board of education?
I am a 1979 graduate from Clarkston, my parents are graduates of Clarkston, my grandmothers both graduated from Clarkston, my four siblings are Clarkston graduates, two of my children and nine nieces and nephews will graduate from Clarkston. I understand this community since my family has lived in it for seven generations and I support Clarkston Public Schools because I have firsthand knowledge of family and friends who enjoy wonderful careers in the fields they have chosen. I want to make sure the traditions of the past are not lost, while ensuring that the needs of our future Clarkston graduates are met for generations to come.
Tony Miller, 9265 Wabun Drive, senior mechanical engineer, 30-year district resident, single (parents still live in district).

Experience in school district activities:
I graduated from Clarkston High School in 1991; I was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Blue and Gold Club at CHS. I was a participant within the football, wrestling and baseball programs. I was an intricate part of the 1991 State Champion Wrestling Team. I have been a member of the Clarkston football coaching staff for nine years. I’ve also been an athletic booster member for seven years.

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
I do the support the ‘non- homestead? tax levy. On the other hand, I do know that this is near and dear to every citizen’s current situation. If you own businesses or rental properties in the community, then this issue may concern you more.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
I support the 83.7 million bond issue as well. I think as a community this is a ‘Win-Win? situation. Our tax dollars are not going to go up due to this bond proposal and we are going to gain numerous improvements. The district will be able to improve existing schools and assist in the over crowding that many of our school levels are faced with. As for the community, the changes that are scheduled to take place will only raise our property values. The beauty of all this, everybody wins!

What is your position on ‘developmental days??
I support developmental days.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
The biggest challenges are resolving the overcrowding within the school levels and budget deficits from the state. Yet, from a smaller localized view, I believe that one major issue in this community can be resolved by the voters within this community. By voting YES on the two ballot issues, the $87.3 million bond and the non-homestead tax renewal. Both are vitally important to not only our financial stability but also our ability to provide the standard of education that Clarkston deserves.

Why should voters choose you from the field of candidates running for the board of education?
As a lifelong resident of Clarkston for more than 30 years, I have observed and participated in the growth of this wonderful community. From the support I had as a speech impaired child in the Clarkston Community Schools district to the support I have witnessed through after-school activities, I know what this community stands for. I would like to give back what was offered and given to me, knowledge, dedication! With my business/engineering background I have a tremendous amount to offer the Clarkston Board of Education. I know and understand the challenges Clarkston schools are faced with from both a budget and growth perspective, all of which can become a win’win situation. None of these decisions are easy, but ones that must be made in the best interest of all students. I will strive for ‘equitable education? commit to serving all our students.
Tim Smith, 39, 5748 Bellshire Lane, marketing/communications executive, four-year district resident, married with two children attending Pine Knob Elementary School.

Experience in school district activities:
I have been very active and involved in school, community and extra-curricular activities. As a member of Pine Knob Elementary PTA, I organized the building of the brand new outdoor classroom, assisted with the new playground build and participated in planning fun fairs, bingo nights and fundraisers. I have been a regular participant in class projects, guest reading and chaperoning field trips.

Do you support restoring the full 18-mill ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
Yes. This is part of the Proposal A reform that has reduced property taxes and changed the funding formula for schools. The state assumes the district will collect the full 18 mills, and if we lose this rate, Clarkston schools will lose in excess of $1 million dollars from their annual budget. This restoration of the 18 mills does not impact homeowner taxes, and will simply restore the rate to the mandated amount.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
Yes. Classroom overcrowding is one of the biggest issues our teachers face today. Educating our kids in an environment that is conducive to learning is critical. This bond will further our ability to accomplish this goal. The quality of life in the community is directly tied to the success of the schools. When the quality of education begins to erode, the fabric of the community will erode. We cannot allow this to happen.

What is your position on the district’s ‘developmental days??
I believe these days are tremendously helpful for our teachers. It allows them to improve skills and challenge our children to move to the next level. I do, however, believe that there needs to be better communication so that parents can understand what is happening during these days. Parents should be informed on what new skills teachers are learning and how that knowledge is directly impacting the quality of education for our kids. The district and schools need to make a concerted effort to communicate the benefits before, during and after these developmental days. This information should be available on the web site, through classroom bulletins and newsletters and PTA meetings.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
The biggest challenge we face is finding a way to open up an improved dialogue between the district and the parents. There are critical issues facing Clarkston’s schools such as budget cuts, mandatory standardized testing and the reduced role the parents are accepting in educating their children. These issues will only be solved appropriately with sincere and direct two-way communication. We must use vehicles like our web site, classroom newsletters and cable access television to engage the community in these issues. With community support we can save valuable class time lost by forcing teachers to teach toward a MEAP test. Our children spend several weeks before the MEAP test, learning how to take a test, and not learning the content of what the test is measuring. As a community, we must wake up our legislators and insist they understand that many children will be left behind because of this law.

Why should voters choose you from a field of candidates running for the board of education?
Five reasons: 1. Communication. 2. Attitude. 3. Caring. 4. Involvement. 5. No fear. These issues are, simply put, what I stand for in this campaign. How I incorporate these issues into action will be what sets me apart. We must have better communication with one another at all levels. We must approach challenges with an attitude that we can and must do better. We must have a willingness to get involved, even if it is inconvenient. Most of all, we cannot be afraid of rocking the boat ? we must be willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. I am willing to stand up and ask tough questions, to be a lone voice if necessary. My largest contribution will be an understanding of how we can exchange ideas and seek innovative thinking to solve challenges through sincere discussion. I am a father of two elementary aged children. I am involved and interested in the needs of kids, parents and educators on a daily basis today, and will continue to be tomorrow. I will represent a confident voice to this important group as a member of the school board, and I would like very much to be part of our future growth.
Diane Weller, 38, 4510 Major, part-time accountant, four-year district resident, married with three children attending Pine Knob Elementary School.

Experience in school district activities:
PTA member for four years (one year as president, one year as treasurer), Parent Advisory Team, PTA Council.

Do you support restoring the full 18 mills ‘non-homestead? tax levy?
Yes. We are expected to collect this by the state. If we do not, we lose about $1 million of our revenue. That is a critical amount of money.

Do you support the $83.7 million bond issue?
Yes. We are in desperate need of reducing the number of children in the high school. I believe the revamping of the buildings is a well thought out way of doing that without greatly increasing operational costs.

What is your position on the district’s developmental days?
I believe the developmental days are a great tool. It has greatly reduced the number of substitutes needed for training. This both reduces costs and increases the learning process.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing Clarkston schools?
Budget cuts. With the state constantly making budget cuts, there will be cuts to be made in our school budget yearly. This will be the biggest challenge, to make cuts without losing the quality of our education.

Why should voters choose you from the field of candidates running for the Clarkston Board of Education?
I have three children in elementary school. I am a mom wanting to ensure a great education for them when making decisions. I will be looking at what ramifications they will have on our children, both for the short-term and the long-term.