Wissner for Board of Education: Overview

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Hello, my name is Aaron Wissner.

On Tuesday, May 3rd, 2004 is the election for the Thornapple Kellogg Schools, Michigan, Board of Education.   I am a candidate and would very much appreciate your vote.

I have had the privilege of talking with various reporters and filling out interview questionnaires for them.  Below, you will find links to all of the questions and answers  You will also find two addresses that I gave to the Thornapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education regarding taking school days away from students.

Grand Rapids Press Interview Answers - April 20, 2005 - Answers about improving MEAP scores, the possibility of selling the Moe Road property, moving from two to one bus run, and how to increase revenue and decrease expenses.

Penasee Globe Interview Answers - April 20, 2005 - My experience on boards and committees, goals for the school board, and why people should vote for me.

A "Meet the Candidates" forum was held at Paige Elementary on April 14th.  All candidates were in attendance as were parents, the superintendent, and reporters from the Grand Rapids Press and the Banner.  Newspaper articles which may contain quotes from this forum are due out the week of April 25.

I do not have a transcript of this meeting.  A couple of issues that I haven't addressed in other interviews include the idea of privatizing school services as well as a question on No Child Left Behind.  My position on privatizing is that it is a very questionable experiment that Thornapple Kellogg should not risk.  My opinion of No Child Left Behind is that the law must be made more common sense and fully funded so it doesn't take money away from the classroom programs.

Hastings Banner & The Sun and News Interview Answers - March 29, 2005  - Answers to how to solve the financial situation, the most pressing challenges to the district, future improvements to the district, and why I am running.

Grand Rapids Press Intro Letter - February 8, 2005- My background, interest in running, goals for the district, and key issues to be explored.

One issue that contributed to my run for the board seat was the decision to take school days away from the students.  While this is not the only issue, it made me think that another different voice was needed on the board.  The issue is the taking school days away from the students, parents and community.

Address to Thornapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education - June 21, 2004  -  In the Spring of 2004, I became aware of a change in state law that allowed school districts to offer less than 180 days of school for the students.  Since then, some school districts have reduced days.  In June of 2004, prior to the board setting the calendar for the 2004-2005 school year, I spoke to the board about the effects of taking school days away from the students.

After I addressed the board, the superintendent thanked me for speaking, and the board proceeded to reduce the days in question without any new discussion.  Apparently, the issue had already been decided, the rationale being that the days were only 1/2 days anyways, that were difficult for the parents, and not very effective for teaching.  I would have responded that I agreed that 1/2 days are difficult, but rather than eliminating them, simply make them into full days of school.

Address to Thornapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education - February 14, 2005 - I returned to the board at the beginning of February to again bring up the days issue.  I also wanted to make the board aware of the opportunity for the district to undertake an All Day Everyday Kindergarten program.  Only Tom Ward of the board sounded interested in searching for concrete evidence that offering a full 180 day calendar would help increase or maintain student enrollment. 

As of April 2005, the board has continued to approve the reduced calendar, with the 2005-2006 calendar being set for 174 1/2 days.  Each year, that makes 5 1/2 days less than the 180 full days that was standard only a few years ago.  Many states other than Michigan require that 180 days of school be offered.  In Michigan, a plan was put into law in the 1990's to increase the number of school days from 180 to 190 over 10 years.  The rationale was to provided a better and better educational program for the students.

While the school day issue is one that concerns me greatly, it is not the only issue important to Thornapple Kellogg Schools.  If you have the time, please take a look at some of the interview answers for my positions on various issues which may be of concern to you.

Please vote on Tuesday, May 3, 2004.  Not only is the seat for the board of education on the ballot, but also the question of maintaining school funding.  The question is the renewal of a millage to keep the non-homestead assessment at 18 mills.  I encourage you to vote yes on this, as a no vote will mean less money for the schools.

If you have any questions or comments regarding me, my candidacy, or anything on this site, please call me at 269-795-4311 or email me at aaronwissner@yahoo.com

Email: aaronwissner@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2005-2008 Aaron Wissner