Bueltel, Michelle - Rochester Community Schools

Are you an incumbent?

Yes

Brief Intro of Candidate

I'm the current board of education President, originally elected in 2016. I'm a 30-year resdient, widow and parent of two RCS grads. I have a BA in statistics and communications and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. I've been involved in the district for the past 22 years and am an active community volunteer. Prior to being on the board I was on a PTA executive board at the local or district level for 14 years. I served as a parent rep on several district and county committees. I've volunteered for the past 15 years at Neighborhood House, a local non-profit and I've served on the Rochester Area Youth Assistance board for the past 8 years. I've also served on my church's executive board for 8 of the past 10 years and on the Mission Committee for the past 11 years. I was the lead for my church in sponsoring an Afghan family that I still support. In my free time, I enjoy reading, golfing, traveling and spending time with my family.

Endorsements

Endorsed by the Rochester Education Association, the Rochester Support Personnel Association, Rochester Para Education Association, National Association of Social Workers through M-PACE, UAW Region 1, Rochester Area Democratic Club PAC, No Future Without Today, and Forever Pride Action

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

Marybeth Stewart, Jim Bueltel, Terri Kemp, Ravi Yalamanchi and Rochester Area Democratic Club PAC

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleBueltel4BOE/ and michellebueltel4schoolboard.com

How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?

I value the voice of students, parents, staff and community members. During our recent strategic plan development we were able to hear from thousands of community members, however, I do believe we could do a better job at involving parents in other decisions that are being made. Even though we are accessible via email or public comment during our meetings, I'd like to define more specific ways for the community to have roles on committees and to host roundtable discussions to be able to hear and share thoughts with the greater community.

What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?

I appreciate the move within our district to focus on restorative practices. I think more training and presentations are needed for some of our staff and the community so they better understand what restorative practices really means.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

I'd like to ensure that our elementary students learn coping skills for overcoming set-backs and controlling emotions. If they learn these skills as well as empathy for others, I think it would go a long way towards improving mental health. However, we also need to have counseling resources available as well.

What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?

Options for early education and overcoming barriers for students of color to attend would be one step. A review of processes and curriculum to ensure that any systemic racism has been identified and education and training are in place for staff and students.

What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?

A priority needs to be placed on valuing all. Allowing all students and families to be seen and heard, helps everyone to understand one another's cultures and points of view. When people know each other, a sense of belonging is created that leads people to feel safe and included.

What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?

In order to have a diverse staff, we need to recruit from diverse institutions. Pay, benefits and working conditions are part of the contract, but the administration helps by creating a culture where diversity is celebrated and all are included and supported.