Gregory Need joined the Clarkston Board of Education for his first full meeting, May 18, after his appointment the week before.
After interviews last week, school board members each provided their top-two picks. Need and fellow candidate Calvin Bordine each received four votes.
The board voted 6-1 to appoint Need, with board Secretary Craig Hamilton voting against.
The top issue needing improvement is technology, Need said.
“There’s a lot more to do, to find the resources to do that,” he said.
He supports the district’s limited open enrollment programs.
“I don’t believe in wide open school of choice,” he said. “I applaud the district for its Stars and Stripes (elite gymnastics) program.”
The role of a board member includes setting policy for the district, making sure the superintendent carries it out,
Asked about his ability to make decisions even if they may be unpopular, he said he can do it.
“As a lawyer, I issue unpopular decisions all the time,” he said.
Bordine said he supports open enrollment to increase competition, but only within the district’s capacity.
“I have experience with a number of ways to make dollars go farther,” said the owner of Bordine Nursery in Springfield Township.
Regarding technology, he would like to see an analysis of other districts’ use of technology.
“It’s risky to be first into any technology ? there’s a chance you’d end up wasting money,” he said.
Also applying for the open seat on the school board were Gary Kondrat, Jesse Lawson, Joseph Zacharias, Karen Head, Linda Holloway, Mark Oldford, Nelson Rogers, Peter Karsten, and Stacey Jaroneski.
Hamilton’s top two picks were Holloway and Bordine. Trustee Kelli Horst picked Bordine and Need. Vice President Susan Boatman chose Holloway and Karsten. For Trustee Elizabeth Egan, it was Need and Karsten. President Steve Hyer went with Bordine and Need. Trustee Cheryl McGinnis selected Bordine and Need.
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Clarkston Board of Education will discuss the 2015-2016 district budget at its June 8 meeting, for approval on June 22.
Mary Beth Rogers, executive director of business services, presented parameters she used to prepare the budget, including $355,263 from the fund balance, resulting in a six percent balance of $4.8 million. Revenue is projected to increase by a total of $195,000, with $350,000 from the Governor’s proposal of a $45 increase in per-pupil funding, $125,000 in deferred At-Risk revenue, $250,000 in new revenue from open enrollment and other revenue-enhancements, and $200,000 transfer from the Early Childhood Center, minus a projected loss of 100 students, $730,000.
Spending is expected to be up $50,263, with $700,000 more in benefits and $325,000 for critical-needs spending, balanced with $500,000 not cancelled spending for critical needs and $474,737 in spending reductions.
The parameters were approved by the school board at previous meetings.