Exciting Times in Southfield as School Board Race Heats Up

Exciting Times in Southfield as School Board Race Heats Up

Southfield is abuzz with excitement as the upcoming school board elections draw near! With six candidates vying for just two open seats, there’s a lot to look forward to in shaping the future of education for over 4,600 students in the district. This year, the school board is not just fixing mundane issues; they’re tackling the weighty challenges of managing a budget exceeding $115 million while also addressing a daunting $29 million deficit.

The Incumbent’s Vision

Leslie Love Smith-Thomas, who currently serves as the board secretary, is running for reelection. With an impressive background, including a master’s degree in education and several years of experience on the board, she is passionate about keeping Southfield schools a top choice for local families. “With households constantly evolving, it’s crucial for us to adopt data-driven programming to ensure parents continue to choose us,” she stated. Smith-Thomas is committed to overseeing the $345 million school improvement bond that passed last November, stating, “We want our students and families to have the best facilities and education possible.”

New Faces in the Race

Let’s now dive into the fresh faces hoping to make their mark on the board. First up is Micheal Beneson, currently a senior human resources business partner at CVS Health. He’s well on his way to earning a master’s degree in global health from Michigan State University. Micheal aims to bring his focus on accountability to ensure high academic standards in Southfield schools. He believes, *”There are gaps in how we connect with our community. We need to promote a sense of camaraderie that benefits everyone.”*

Next on the list is Nicole Denson, who brings her experience as a development director at Michigan Voices. Her campaign slogan, *“Education First, Community Always”*, reflects her commitment to advocating for students. Nicole highlights the need for improved mental health resources and educational opportunities, emphasizing that *”What our students need now more than ever are programs that cater to their mental and emotional well-being.”*

Focusing on Academic Excellence

Then we have Crystal Sims, an assistant controller with a passion for education. Armed with degrees in finance and accounting, she was disheartened to learn that only 26% of middle schoolers read at proficiency levels. Crystal insists that *“We need to prioritize parental involvement in education and bring back funding for Career and Technical Education programs to help our young adults explore potential career paths.”*

Challenges Ahead

The backdrop of these candidacies is the daunting $29 million deficit facing the district. Clearly, it’s not just about filling seats but choosing individuals who can bring **real change**. While most candidates have a collaborative vision for the district, some issues remain crucial, such as enhancing safety in schools, with Micheal Beneson suggesting the installation of metal detectors at Southfield High.

Meet the Write-In Candidate

Betty Carlton Robinson is also making waves as a write-in candidate, although she hasn’t yet shared her vision with the public. Another individual, Zachary Anderson, hasn’t responded to requests for information, but certainly adds to the diversity of the candidates seeking a position on the school board.

Conclusion

As the election date approaches, it’s evident that the future of Southfield education is in capable hands, with passionate candidates ready to take action. Whether through improving mental health services, enhancing academic standards, or maintaining transparency in governance, each candidate brings unique ideas to the table. With the election just around the corner, Southfield residents will soon have the chance to voice their opinions and vote for the individuals who will shape the educational landscape for years to come!