Two area residents will be on the ballot for one four-year term on the Goodrich Board of Trustees.
The polls are open in the Goodrich School District from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., May 4
Name: Niki Wiederman
Age: 39
Education: Bachelor of arts degree in general science and social science in 1993 the University of Michigan-Flint. Master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University 1998.
Occupation: Wiederman has lived in the Goodrich district for eight years and is currently employed in the Atherton School District, where for eight years she served as a high school biology teacher before taking a position as a guidance counselor at the high school.
Personal: Wiederman has two children in the district’Sydnie, 12, a seventh grade student, and Brendan, 7, a second grade student.
Solution to current Goodrich school district financial crisis: ‘With the financial crisis facing Michigan schools, all schools around the state have to make some difficult decisions. I believe that looking at this challenge with a proactive approach can help alleviate some of the panic that can cause dissension within a district. To maintain positive working relationships with all parties, lines of communication regarding financial decisions need to remain open with community members and staff within the district. We could also increase revenue by seeking grant money that is available and maximize our resources.?
Number of school board meetings attended: ‘Throughout the course of my career as an educator, I have been to countless board meetings. Since moving to Goodrich, I have attended various board meetings as a community member. However, since I committed to run for a position on the Goodrich School Board, I have attended every meeting, workshop and community forum since November 2009.?
Name: Scott Statson, Jr.
Age: 21
Education: 2007 Goodrich High School graduate and currently attends Mott Community College in Flint where he is studying business.
Occupation: Atlas Township resident Statson is employed at the Davison Meijer and Grand Blanc Hunt Club.
Personal: Statson, Jr. is the son of Scott Statson, Sr., who serves on the Atlas Township Board of Trustees.
Solution to current school district financial crisis: ‘Priority number one should be giving our students the quality education they need. We are going to have to look at the budget with the mindset that education comes first. Innovative solutions are what we need in order to survive this financial crisis.?
Number of school board meetings attended: ‘I have been working and monitoring the meetings through parents and teachers and feel now is the time to get involved and make a positive difference.?
18-Mill Non-Homestead Renewal Tax.
Also on the ballot will be an 18-Mill Non-Homestead Renewal Tax.
The tax ison business, industrial and commercial properties and is not on residential property. According to school officials, the tax is a renewal of an existing tax approved 10 years ago, and is for school operating purposes and is part of Michigan’s funding formula for all public schools.