Smith, Michael - Walled Lake School District
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I am a candidate for the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education 2-year partial term seat. As a lifelong resident of White Lake, I grew up here and graduated from Walled Lake Central. I now proudly reside in the township with my wife and children (who are students at Dublin Elementary and Clifford Smart Middle School).
I hold a bachelor’s degree from GVSU, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Oakland University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Local Government Management. I previously served on the School Board but took a step back when my children were younger to focus on our family. Now that they are older and we are heavily involved in the district, I have felt motivated to serve our community once again.
I have dedicated over 20 years to public service, having held management roles at Oakland County, Clawson, Wolverine Lake, Berkley, and Northville. I have a wide range of experience and know what it takes to lead with accountability, empathy, integrity, and sensibility. Because of my personal and professional backgrounds, I’ve experienced this community from multiple perspectives – child, student, adult, parent, coach, and leader. I have a deep understanding of our schools because of my wide-ranging experiences.
Endorsements
Rep. Arbit, Rep. Breen, Rep. Steckloff, MEA-WLEA, and other democratic clubs are our goal, along with other Unions.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
Union memberships hopefully, and individuals people
class4walledlake.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?
When I think about balance, I will always remain steadfast that every decision I make is for all students and note mine alone or a constituent base or group, and I will strive to work in concert with staff and administration to implement positive and needed policies and procedures is the main role in my mind. We need to engage with all of our community members through work sessions, committees, etc. We need to be transparent in our decision making and focus on best practices and be supportive of the needs of our students while listening to our educators.
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 believe that more often than not we push kids out of the school systems. We need to reassess our methods of discipline. We need to work with staff and provide services and be proactive in developing strategies to cultivate community and build trust between students and administrators. We need to have more conflict resolution alternatives. I was part of a group of students when I was in high school called Positive Peer Influence and we were peer mediators between students that were struggling and it was very helpful and created a sense of ownership, trust, and community building. We focus too much on discipline that doesn’t get to the root of the issues many times and we need to be supportive and develop different methods to not push kids away but to keep them and work with them to work their strategies.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
We need to be supportive of the district needs by providing the tools for all schools. We need social workers in place to support our students and staff. We need more compassion, empathy, and listening in our schools and openness with how we interact with each other by having these services in place at every school. We can focus on working with elected officials to provide proper funding levels from the State and Federal government for these programs and counselors. We have to realize that mental health needs are about life and many times students can fall through the cracks and it should be our mission to support each and every student through programs, budgeting, staff, to handle the needs.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
I believe we need to bring together key stakeholders, advocates, and other community members to work through strategies to implement by focusing on their expertise on handling achievement for black students and all students. I know that I will never waiver from being a champion of our public school system and I will be steadfast in speaking up to work cooperatively for the best interest of all of the students in Walled Lake Schools. I know that we cannot please everyone but we need to make thoughtful decisions that take into account every student’s needs. We all come with our own values and belief systems and we can have a constructive discussion some may vote no but if we have respect for one another in our decision making we can be successful.
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?
My interpretation is that we are an inclusive and open district that educates and supports all students, staff, and administration. We provide a safe space for students and staff to express themselves and speak up and we do not judge or cast aside those differences – we embrace and accept our differences and empower our students and staff to be active and demand equality and equity.
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?
We must focus every effort on supporting our recruitment efforts to attract top notch educators to our district. They are the heartbeat of our district and I will make sure I am a voice on the board that will advocate providing the tools necessary to our administration to recruit and retain our educators. This means providing the tools necessary also to let teachers thrive and grown in our District and be able to provide the services that our students need.