Cipolla, Michael - Dexter Community Schools

Are you an incumbent?

I am Michael Cipolla and am running for the Dexter Community School Board of Education. I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students and the overall stability and ongoing improvement of our school district.

My wife Dana and I moved to Dexter from North Carolina in 2008. I have a career background in architectural design and she is a professor at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health We have two sons, a freshman and a junior at Dexter High School. When relocating, we selected Dexter in large part because of the school district and how it connects the entire community. Our family loves Dexter and its schools. From time to time, we used to tease our boys about moving away for a job opportunity. They would just smile and say “Only if we can take our school with us.” That tells us we are in the right place here in Dexter.

As a parent, dedicated school volunteer, and an active member of the community, I have discovered a strong sense of purpose in supporting our schools. Over the past seven years, I have worked alongside other committed parents as a trustee of EFD. A leading non-profit that provides financial assistance to Dexter Community Schools. Throughout my time on the board including the past two years as its president, I have gotten to know many teachers, administrators, and staff. I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities our schools face. I am dedicated to ensuring that our schools provide the necessary resources and support for all students to thrive.

I will prioritize transparency, accountability, and collaboration if elected to the school board. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our district's policies and decisions are in the best interest of our students, families, and community.

I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and will advocate for the efficient use of our district's resources, ensuring that every dollar is spent with the utmost consideration for its impact on student learning and success.

Together, we can continue to provide pathways to a bright future for all students of Dexter Community Schools.

Brief Intro of Candidate

I firmly believe in open communication and will actively seek input from all stakeholders to make informed and inclusive decisions.

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Website and social media links

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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?

Dexter handles schools discliplne with fairness for the most part in my opinion. Training students in restorative practices will equip them with the skills to independently manage conflicts, actively participate in school decisions, and fosters a culture of openness to change in school policies. These are all good things.

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

Promoting social, emotional, and behavioral learning by integrating social and emotional skills-based instruction across various academic subjects and in outdoor, natural settings.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

Michigan's student population is 18% African American, but its public school teaching ranks are only 6% black, Dexter is at less than 4%

The curriculum should feature the great diversity among Black people to dispel stereotypes, reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Black students, and recognize the contributions of diverse groups.

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

In a free and open society where everyone has the right to express themselves, it's important to be open to viewpoints that may challenge and even discomfort us at times. Embracing diverse perspectives is essential for growth and mutual understanding.

I have always looked at things from a building perspective, just from my upbringing, I guess. To use a construction metaphor, I am always willing to construct bridges instead of walls.

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?

Dexter’s teachers are the single most important school-related factor in student development and overall achievement. Hiring and keeping high-quality teachers is so important to our district. Dexter does offer competitive compensation, in fact, they just adopted a new contract with the teachers' union as well as several other support staff unions that included pay increases and additional benefits. Starting pay was increased as well, I am hopeful this will have a positive impact on new hires.

Also, we need to continue investing in professional development for our staff, the district can continue to show confidence in Dexter’s teachers for the long term and demonstrate that they are valued.

Overall our district can no longer expect teacher candidates to come to us because they have many options and there are vacancies everywhere. We have to do things differently. We have to give teachers reasons to come here to Dexter.

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?