They also criticize what they describe as the current board's tolerance and/or promotion of critical race theory, disruptive behavior, declining test scores, ineffective remote learning strategies, sexualization of children, political activism and fiscal irresponsibility. He grew up with three siblings and a hard-working single mother who was willing to sacrifice constantly to provide for her children. She seemed to have a large catalog of prepared answers at her disposal, but she raced to say as much as she could in 90 seconds, and her haste didn't serve the audience well. It also accuses Trustee Weaver of sharing confidential information, and, personally, I believe thats inaccurate., Weaver says the disclaiming motion, in his opinion, basically outlines that four board members are going to stifle free speech and are going to expect board members to fall in line and acquiesce to Superintendent Shaners legal threat.. The district acknowledged the students were taken to Niki's for lunch but wouldn't comment further. There's a nationwide shortage of child psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors, and for many children, access to professional help will depend on a referral from a school counselor or social worker. Of the four bloc candidates, Rae Parker came across as the least strident during her candidate forum with her opponent, Justin Cook. The final candidate, Abdullahi Yusuf, stressed his connection to the district as an alumni of the school system, graduating from Mayo High School in 2009. She specifically referenced candidate Justin Cook. "I want to be able to serve an be an ally for the young students as they progress through the school system, and I feel like a recent grad can provide that kind of leadership and stewardship. Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as the 200 largest public school districts by student enrollment. 2023 Elections . "Its parents that are just upset that their students were in an environment that was unacceptable.". Were going to implement real policy changes that allow teachers and parents to take back the classrooms. At the Rochester Community School Board Meeting on December 14, 2022, Trustee Elect Andrew Weaver asked what Policy the DEIPN parent group followed to be Read More Make This Make Sense |
Scott Muska, along with new members Andrew Weaver and Carol Beth Litkouhi, serve as trustees. Reports say the teacher leading the field trip immediately notified the school principal of what happened and was upfront about the unfortunate incident with the district. We respect the differences of opinions; however, Rochester Community Schools remains committed to collaborating with our public health experts and school district leaders from across the state to do what is best for our entire school community, the statement said. He will be the type of Board member who we all will feel takes the time to understand complex issues. Weaver then encouraged the school to admit the mistake and allow parents the opportunity to voice their concerns at the next board or district meeting. The candidates are Jessica Gupta, Eddie Hillery, Carol Beth Litkouhi, and Dennis Talluto. That means three-fourths of the available positions could become a show-down between the current direction of the school district and the proposed alternative. Weaver is accused of spreading misinformation about it on social media in January that made international news. The fourth incumbent whose term is expiring, Melissa Amundsen, said she doesnt need to run again since there are other candidates she trusts. Litkouhi said she voted against the disclaiming motion for a number of reasons. We see that you have javascript disabled. I think its redundant and unnecessary, she said. "This could have been handled with clear communication, setting a policy, admitting we made a mistake and making sure that we don't make the same mistake again," he said. After the workshop was complete, the majority of the board approved a disclaiming motion, which Bueltel said was related to Trustee Andrew Weavers conduct since his term began Jan. 1.. On Nov. 8, voters will face a similar decision regarding the Rochester School Board. 188 talking about this. "Its none of that," he argued. Buss: With "emotional distress," Rochester schools chief tries to rewrite First Amendment. Rishavy denies that reality, and that alone should disqualify her from a school board seat. His response has been to bunker down and seek even tighter control over how and what information is disseminated. Gupta, a social worker and college instructor, has lived in Rochester for seven years and in the Rochester area for 12 years. "The students were moved from Niki's Pizza due to a lack of available space to the Lounge where they tried out some pole dancing," Rochester Community Schools (RCS) trustee and parent Andrew. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The candidates are Jessica Gupta, Eddie Hillery, Carol Beth Litkouhi, and Dennis Talluto. November's general election could significantly impact the direction of the entire district, depending on how many candidates from each group walk away as victors. For other interviews visit our Candidate Interview Page. He said he was told to "fall in line" and follow protocol. August 26, 2022. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! ROCHESTER, MI The parent of two Rochester Community Schools students reached a tentative settlement with the school district after she filed a lawsuit claiming a district official got her. (iStock) (iStock). Implementation of the strategic plan the district adopted on his watch has barely begun, and electing a slate of candidates who oppose this plan might very well prompt a lame-duck Pekel to look for a new job. The board has no legal standing to silence Weaver, but it claims the memos were privileged. We see that you have javascript disabled. The Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting Jan. 14 and appointed Michelle Bueltel as board president, Barb Anness as vice president, Kristin Bull as treasurer and Jessica Gupta as secretary. The lounge appeared to be a nightclub that wasnt in use, and had dancing poles, a bar, and liquor ads. A Michigan school board could face legal action after a trustee demanded answers about a middle school field trip that resulted in sixth graders pole dancing. Were going to take the politics out of the school and bring back academic excellence. The Code of Cooperation, Grein explained, is publicly available on the district website under Board Bylaws, reference 139.5. Instead, he allowed a false narrative about our school to be spread. Trustee Andrew Weaver violated our Board norms and trust amongst his Board colleagues by sharing confidential information from the Boards employee, Dr. Robert Shaner, with news media and on his social media pages, states the resolution, which passed on a 4-3 vote after the meeting had already adjourned. Mary Beth Almond
As part of a group with a Facebook page called Finding the Right Answer, Weaver has called for a recall of board members Barbara Anness, Kevin Beers, Michelle Bueltel and Andrea Walker-Leidy. The target of Saturday's vote was newly-elected Trustee Andrew Weaver, who shared with me last week a threatening letter sent by Superintendent Robert Shaner warning the board he would take legal action if it did not keep Weaver in line. The Marvin-Rishavy forum was more compelling, but if we had to use one word to describe Rishavy's views, it would be rigid. Her back-to-basics message is built at least partially on her contentions that school isn't about belonging, and that teachers aren't social workers. Andrea Walker-Leidy, Kevin Beers, Barbara Anness, and Michelle Bueltel. And, anyone who has spent time in front of a classroom knows that part of a teacher's job is to look for signs of trouble and help kids get the assistance they need which sounds a lot like social work. We can restore our focus on academics, transparency, partnership with parents, and accountability. If you value the work we do here at Oakland County Times, please sign up to Make a Monthly Pledge. The Education Department has launched a regulatory "rulemaking" process to pursue his $430 billion loan relief plan. But where Parker loses us and where Cook gains our endorsement is their conflicting views about the role schools can and should play in helping kids succeed. The general election will then be Nov. 8. This work will not be easy, but I am excited to take it on with the great people that make up Rochester Community Schools, Weaver said in an email. ", NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL DISTRICT USED COVID-19 MONEY TO BOOST STAFF SALARIES: REPORT. I am angry that Mr. Weaver is seemingly incapable of learning anything from this experience and that he continues to deflect the blame to others, Linda Key said during Thursdays school board meeting. Other View: Why doesnt Gov. "It is unacceptable for us to have a sanctioned field trip that ends up with our students in an environment that is clearly designed for adult entertainment," he said. "Multiple parents reaching out, saying that they have asked questions, have not got answers," he said. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Elena Niehoff, Kim Rishavy, John Whelan and Rae Parker are running as a group, trying to change the school board to a more conservative philosophy. That seems a stretch. Advertisement. Bringing things full circle, he returned to Rochester in 2020 just shy of a decade after leaving. ALBANY TEACHER PRESSES SCHOOL DISTRICT OVER LENIENT ATTENDANCE POLICY: 'SHORT-CHANGING THE KIDS'. Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues. Photographs and videos were taken of the students in that setting. "How did we get here? One of the additional candidates, Patrick Farmer is running on what could likely prove to be the most controversial campaign idea, introducing gun safety into the school system. Before Weaver was voted onto the school board, he was a vocal critic of the schools administration and the school board. ROCHESTER In one of the most contentious local elections of recent years, voters showed strong support for the incumbents of the Rochester School Board and the priorities they have identified . "Parents and caregivers are always encouraged throughout the school year to contact their school administrator with questions or concerns," the spokesperson added. "It's kind of a perfect storm of circumstances that have made it a difficult time for public schools," Cook said. He said the board and administration think we are a bunch of crazy right-wingers who just wanted to open the schools and kill everybody.. All Right Reserved. The letter did not include any threats.. The voting process continued after the airing of Local 4s broadcast. Baseball and Dream Team selections, RCS Summer Music Theatre presents Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical, Magic of the big screen returns to downtown, New date set for Festival of the Hills after poor air quality causes postponement, Fredlund named new principal at Warren Woods Tower, Grosse Pointe Shores considering breed ban after violent dog attack, Getting the band back together for a good cause, DNR adds to list of animals that can be trapped, Colorful Street Art Fest back for 6th year in Berkley, Find DIA Artwork along the Johnson Nature Center trails this summer, Macomb native, Eisenhower grad signs with Minnesota Twins, Man arraigned in Eastpointe for allegedly killing brother. Representatives from the Sex Education Advisory Board, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Parent Network, along with other groups, are provided time to speak at board meetings. There's no dispute that Andrew Weaver a trustee on the Rochester School Board elected for his . Weaver believes Shaner is taking his election as a personal insult. Mary Beth Almond
A parent in the Rochester Community Schools says he will continue his efforts to recall four Board of Education members, despite two rejections of petition language. DeSantis want a trial with Disney until 2025? Justin is tremendously competent and committed to education, and he has my wholehearted support, as do my School Board colleagues Julie Workman, Cathy Nathan and Jean Marvin, Amundsen said in a written statement. While school board races are non-partisan, this bloc of candidates wants Rochester residents to vote a straight ticket that would fundamentally alter the board's makeup and force a dramatic re-thinking of the school district's goals and strategies for achieving them. Jordan Shearer covers K-12 education for the Post Bulletin. ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP The new Rochester Community Schools Board of Education has had a busy start to 2023. And, if you're not careful, one or two bad apples can affect the whole bag. "The reason I am running is because I am for school safety," Farmer said. Picking your own apples takes more time and effort (and sometimes costs a bit more), but you can inspect every apple and get exactly what you want. Cook said he's concerned about the financial issues facing the district, as well as literacy rates, among others. Expect More with your weekend edition of Local 4 News at 11, streaming right now on Local 4+. For more information about Rochester Community Schools, visit www.rochester.k12.mi.us or call (248) 726-3000. Likouhi said she is ready to begin the process of repairing the divide.. Michigan School Board trustee Andrew Weaver joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the district's lack of transparency about the incident and the threat of lawsuit facing the board after Weaver initially spoke out. ROCHESTER The Rochester School Board incumbents and their challengers from the conservative bloc are headed to the general election in November after Tuesday's primary. The district offered a separate, all-virtual academy, but Weaver said it did not meet the academic needs of families who chose that option. For a complete list of candidates and ballot issues, visit the Oakland County Clerk's Election Page. |
If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. The districts sitting superintendent has been on leave for a substantial amount of time, claiming the school board hadnt protected him from personal attacks.. After Weaver spoke out on the incident, the Rochester Community Schools District superintendent then threatened the entire school board with legal action, he said. The safety and security of our students, staff and school community is always our priority.". He has the courage, ethics, and foresight to make choices centered on student, teacher, and administrator welfare. It all stems from the fallout over a . Before Weaver was voted onto the school board, he was a vocal critic of the schools administration and the school board. However, the primary turned into a race deeply dividing voters into two camps: those supporting the incumbents and those seeking a change in leadership through the conservative bloc. The school and its staff reportedly fielded several threats made after Weavers public comments. Copyright C & G Publishing. After all, a dissenting voice or two can be a good thing for a governing body, right? Ward 1 Ward 3 Ward 5 Local Two Rochester City Council incumbents are joined by newcomer Norman Wahl wins race to fill Ward 3 council seat as Ward 1 and 5 incumbents maintain their seats. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The position has a six year term. From the start, Mr. Weavers position as a trustee couldve been used to seek understanding, said teacher Amy Rever-Oberle. Thank you to Pontiac Community Foundation for sponsoring this series. Community gathers at Rochester Board of Education meeting on June 22, 2023. Which, again, to me, is to say, (legal action will be taken) if I dont act in a way that says I focus more on keeping things quiet and making sure people dont know that we made mistakes, instead of addressing the mistakes, Weaver said. Adams all-staters includes Mr. Weaver has submitted two petitions over the past two months to the Oakland County Clerks Office for a recall election. Workman, on the other hand, came across as over-prepared during the forum.
Cook, who has lived in Rochester for five years and has four kids in elementary school, puts the matter in simple terms: The goal is to provide a learning environment that is conducive for every student in the school system to identify and pursue their passions, and to unleash the potential of every student. That includes students who've had a tough start in life, enduring difficulties at home that make learning a challenge. Hopefully, we can now unite by focusing on our common goal: we all want the best education possible for our kids, she said in an email. Gupta received the most votes in the race for the two six-year terms, with 19,837, while Litkouhi came in second, garnering 16,980, according to unofficial results from Oakland County Elections Division. Just after midnight with 100 of 102 precincts reporting, Cook took 51.49% of the votes, Rae Parker took 28.76%, and Abdullahi Yusuf took 19.75% for Seat 2. Newcomer Andrew Weaver secured a two-year term on the board Nov. 8, outpacing incumbent Joe Pittel and challenger Julie Alspach. Newcomer Andrew Weaver secured a two-year term on the board Nov. 8, outpacing incumbent Joe Pittel and challenger Julie Alspach. The four candidates moving forward to the general election for the two at-large seats are incumbents Karl Sonneman and Nancy Denzer, as well as Torry Moore and Maurella L. Cunningham. Contact editor@oc115.com for more information. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. This school district is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled . The band teacher took the kids to visit the DSO and stopped for lunch at Niki's Pizza, which is attached to Niki's Lounge. He said he is honored and humbled by the fact that enough voters decided to support a genuinely nonpartisan platform one that focused on the majority of voters that may lean a little left or a little right but, in the end, want to do what is right.. In addition to specific issues, however, he said he generally wants the best for Rochester Public Schools. Baseball and Dream Team selections, RCS Summer Music Theatre presents Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical, Magic of the big screen returns to downtown, New date set for Festival of the Hills after poor air quality causes postponement, Fredlund named new principal at Warren Woods Tower, Grosse Pointe Shores considering breed ban after violent dog attack, Getting the band back together for a good cause, DNR adds to list of animals that can be trapped, Colorful Street Art Fest back for 6th year in Berkley, Find DIA Artwork along the Johnson Nature Center trails this summer, Macomb native, Eisenhower grad signs with Minnesota Twins, Man arraigned in Eastpointe for allegedly killing brother. I look forward to continuing this journey, striving for pride in excellence for all kids in our schools, she said in an email. "It's been a couple of really tough years. The meeting went late into the night before the final vote and decision was handed down. EXCLUSIVE - A Michigan mom spoke with Fox News Digital upon learning the Rochester Community Schools district recently renewed the contract of the deputy superintendent who allegedly "falsely". Meet Andrew Weaver. New videos are added frequently up until Election Day, so please check back often! I just didnt want to open myself up to any extra liability or anything, given how the superintendent used that against him.. "I was so Read more Weaver told host Ainsley Earhardt the letter came in late December. Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Weaver claims that sharing the information wasnt to draw attention to himself, but rather to talk about bad district policy. We see that you have javascript disabled. Fox News Digital reached out to the district for comment about the alleged pole dancing incident, and a spokesperson said,' "Rochester Community Schools appreciates the strong teacher and caregiver partnerships as we work together to enhance classroom learning opportunities." He said parents were not notified about the whole ordeal. Weaver is now encouraging people. The primary election will be Aug. 9.
Photographs and videos were taken of the students in that setting. Endorsements. Members of the Board of Education of Rochester Community Schools Michelle Bueltel, president, serves through Dec. 31, 2024 Barbara Anness, vice president, serves through Dec. 31, 2024 Kristin Bull, treasurer, serves through Dec. 31, 2026 Jessica Gupta, secretary, serves through Dec. 31, 2028 Carol Beth Litkouhi, trustee, serves through Dec. 31, 2028 . Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Oakland County Times does not endorse any candidates, and advertising does not imply endorsement. Of course, voters don't have to vote a straight ticket. 21 talking about this. This is the official page for Andrew Weaver, Trustee for Rochester Community School's board beginning 1/1/2023. Sept 20, 2022). Even before his first official meeting as a new trustee, Weaver said Superintendent Robert Shaner attempted to intimidate him referring to a letter the superintendent sent to board officials Dec. 21 that, in part, states, It is imperative that the Board take immediate action to ensure Mr. Weavers compliance with protocol. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Market data provided by Factset. RCS is mandating the Anti-Defamation League's latest social justice program, No Place for Hate, in schools. He discouraged accusations of "political activism" against the teacher who led the class trip. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Following the organizational meeting, the board held a second open meeting for a professional development workshop, facilitated by the Michigan Association of School Boards. October 24, 2022 1 Comment. By:
His administration has been sued for online tracking and intimidation of parents who protest policies. We realize that this has been a trying year for many of our school community members, and we recognize that our families may be dealing with this pandemic in very different ways. We have to have students turn in their coursework. Expect More with your weekend edition of Local 4 News at 11, streaming right now on Local 4+. Pekel has demonstrated a great awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent to a growing community with an increasingly diverse population. |
The Bylaws were last adopted on June 9, 2014; although current members of the district do not recall the Code of Cooperation changing within the past decade, Grein said. (iStock), Michigan school official seeking answers after students pictured pole dancing on field trip. Rochester 6th grade field trip pole dancing photo upsets school board member. The three incumbent candidates who are running for re-election this year, Nathan, Workman and Marvin, all have spoken about wanting to continue the work they started in their time on the board thus far. The position has a six year term. The correspondence reinforced the need for a new board member to comply with board bylaws and the code of cooperation so that the districts focus can remain on the education of all RCS students, Grein said in a statement. |
For other interviews visit our Candidate Interview Page. RCS board meetings are held at 7 p.m. on scheduled Mondays in the districts Administration Building, 52585 Dequindre Road in Rochester. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. ROCHESTER The Rochester School Board incumbents and their challengers from the conservative bloc are headed to the general election in November after Tuesday's primary. I dont think it really accomplishes anything. Such communications between elected officials aretypically covered by the Freedom ofInformation Act. Weaver, who works in manufacturing, has lived in Rochester Hills for eight years.