Nieman, Susan - Armada Area Schools

Are you an incumbent?

Yes

Brief Intro of Candidate

I have served as Trustee, Secretary, or Treasurer on the Armada School Board since 2003. I am the Board representative to the Macomb County School Board Association's Legislative Committee and the Armada Education Foundation. I have received the Michigan Association of School Boards highest honor the President's Award of Recognition. I have served on two district Strategic Plan committees and participated in a district Superintendent Search. I actively advocate for students, teachers, and parents regarding state education legislation. I've been an Armada resident since 1985 and I am the proud parent of three Armada High School graduates. I have a BA from Kalamazoo College and an MS from Michigan State University. I retired in 2021.

Endorsements

none

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

none

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?

Armada's Board of Education and Superintendent encourage all district stakeholders to attend Board meetings and express the issues that are important to them as well as share their ideas with us via direct email. Community members were included on the two Strategic Plan committees and are included in School Safety forums. The Superintendent has several Student Advisory committees whose input he shares with the Board.

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

Armada approaches school discipline with a preventative focus. Our staff, students and parents are encouraged to build relationships with each other so that potential issues can be identified before the need for discipline is required. We utilize Restorative Justice best practices when appropriate. These strategies have been very effective for our district.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

Students and their parents need to become more aware that mental health help is always available through the school district. Armada has hired counselors for every building and a district nurse. We also utilize resources available from Macomb County. Staff and parents are encouraged to share mental health concerns about their students with each other and to work together towards a solution.

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

Armada's demographics are not very diverse. The district offers all students a strong curriculum as well as remedial and advanced curriculum options to improve student achievement. Unfortunately, many of the most influential factors affecting student achievement are outside the control of public education. Poverty and lack of parental involvement are the primary examples. These are chronic problems that even the most expert sociologists have had trouble finding solutions.

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?

Armada encourages staff to foster relationships with students and their families and establish those personal connections based on getting to know them as individuals not as part of any specific group. Students will always tend to associate with who they are most comfortable, however we encourage them to accept each others differences without judgement.

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?

Armada offers a culture that attracts many highly qualified employees. Our district infrastructure and technology as well as employee relations with administration and the Board is admirable. We have the luxury of hiring some of the best people because they want to work for Armada schools. We recently negotiated all of our staff contracts and were financially able to raise the compensation bar significantly. We recognize the value of retaining a dedicated, highly qualified, professional staff.