Tizedes, Jason - Saline Area Schools
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I grew up in Allen Park Michigan, the (very) youngest of three boys. I attended Eastern Michigan University where I intended to move on to become a teacher. As so many students do, I changed paths and entered the business world. Currently, with nearly 20 years’ experience in criminal justice and community safety and supervision, I serve as the Vice President of one of the largest private court services companies in the U.S. that focuses on reforms and equitable opportunity for individuals involved in criminal justice. I also serve as the CEO and member of the board of directors of a small biotech startup company spun out of the University of Michigan that focuses on solutions to combat substance use disorders. Today I live in Saline (York Township) with my wife of 14 years, Kate, our girls 3rd and 6th grade, and my son 12th grade along with our two dogs Murphy and Griffin. In my spare time I enjoy coaching and playing soccer with my fellow Saline parents, photography, and house projects when I promise my wife I will not make too large of a mess.
Endorsements
To date, I have not received endorsements from any individuals or organizations. I do not intend to solicit the endorsements of any individuals or organizations. However, if any individuals or organizations wish to endorse me based on their belief that I am one of the best choices and they feel I will represent the district, our community, and most importantly their students to the best of my ability, I will graciously accept the endorsement without any other commitment.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
To date I have not received nor solicited funding from an any individuals or organizations. I intend to primarily self-fund my campaign and should family, friends, and community members wish to contribute to assist with my campaign efforts, I would humbly accept that generosity as a token of faith in my abilities to serve the district.
jasontizedes.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 think discussion of ideas and diversity of thought and opinion are essential to crafting exceptional experiences for students. Aside from encouraging more parent involvement in board meetings, school activities, and classroom participation, I would love to explore periodic, informal discussions where parents and stakeholders can discuss ideas around what can make our district better and more engaging.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
With my years of experience in criminal justice and instructing and lecturing on a variety topics, including alternative punishment and problem-solving programs, restorative practices falls along similar lines. Focusing on reduction in recidivism, eliminating inequities in punishment, and investigating the root cause of behavior are some of the fundamentals of both problem-solving/treatment courts as well as restorative practices in schools. However, it is critically important and extensively studied that swift and certain punishment must be an integral component of these efforts. This is an aspect that often eludes education professionals at the cost of what could otherwise be effective alternate solutions to traditional punishments. Punishments, that on their face, lack learning experience for the student, jeopardize the success of restorative practices.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Oftentimes, the common hurdles of growing up that many generations of students faced are now viewed as mental health problems. I don’t think that could be further from the truth. Like many things, society is quick to place a label on something in order to categorize it—put it into a group and identify it in a general referenced form. Speaking from experience and confronting authentic mental health conditions, I’ve seen the difference. The kids most affected by misdiagnosed mental health conditions—both over and under diagnosed—are often from lower income households. We need to focus on providing more options for less stressful and engaging extra curricular activities. Programs that focus on escapes from stress while also preparing students for life after school. Mentorship, vocational opportunities, and a variety of clubs should be embraced and more available to all students.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
In frank honesty, I’m unaware of any great chasm between the achievements of any one student group to another in my district. I think segmenting students by way of physical identity forces the observer to only think of those students as that characteristic. Perhaps a more effective methodology would be to look at the societal constraints that affect students no matter if they are black or white, male or female, or differently abled. Benchmarks such as family income, single or split-parent households, and geography traditionally play larger roles and have a greater impact on student achievement than ethnicity or skin color alone. They are certainly not mutually exclusive, but ensuring that proper support systems exist and are easily accessible to these groups is the first step to bridging any gaps in student achievement.
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?
In a society that seems to be ever growing further divided, my only advice and my only recommendation is to encourage students, parents, and others in the community to appreciate the things we agree on and have in common. Since part of my job role is negotiating, a strategy I like to use is to vocalize the list of things the parties agree upon. When people start on a plane where they find mutual agreement, being able to talk through difficult topics becomes easier after an established common respect for each other’s opinions. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant something may be, when people can openly communicate from a position of having started in agreement, the larger more challenging discussions can be had in a manner where everyone can feel heard and that they can voice their opinions in a forum where where they do not need to fear repercussions.
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?
Strategies for enticing and retaining staff would vary greatly from district to district, and frankly are limited to salary and benefit requirements and restrictions. In my opinion, providing educational professionals the latitude to explore and experiment with the delivery of curriculum would attract the most dedicated and passionate teachers. I know that I retain staff by offering them flexibility, autonomy, and creativity. Similarly, I hire by the most important factors—will this person serve well and with integrity? I don’t care if that person is black, white, orange, or blue. If they are gay, straight, bi, or trans. If they are tall, short, have a disability, or what religion they may or may not practice. Is the potential staff member the most qualified applicant? Do they have the students’ best interests in mind? Will they teach passionately and objectively? Will they inspire and encourage our students to do and be their best? Those factors are what should matter most.